Pubdate: Sun, 6 Sep 2009
Source: Los Angeles Daily News (CA)
Copyright: 2009 Los Angeles Newspaper Group
Contact: http://www.dailynews.com/writealetter
Website: http://www.dailynews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/246
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n820/a01.html
Author: Scott Goodman

ALARMIST OPPONENTS

I lived in Oakland for 27 years. I was instrumental in getting 
Proposition 215 passed and making the dispensaries a reality in the 
Bay Area. I now live in south Florida, where the marijuana laws are 
the harshest in the country.

Yes, I believe any city in California will profit from licensed 
dispensaries that provide a thriving business. Yes, I think the 
state's financial crisis would also be somewhat alleviated.

I do not understand the rationale behind the cities and counties in 
California that are banning the dispensaries. They say they are 
afraid of children getting high on pot. So make the dispensaries 
"childproof" and far from schools. Also, closed circuit cameras and 
armed security guards at each facility would make them "crime-proof."

So what is their beef? I think it is just reactionary thinking, 
fueled by fear of the unknown. Opponents are alarmists and would 
impede progress at a grass-roots level. Proponents are farseeing 
venture businessmen who also want to provide a service to the 
handicapped and medically needy of their respective communities.

Scott Goodman

Boynton Beach, Fla.
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