Pubdate: Wed, 23 Sep 2009
Source: North County Times (Escondido, CA)
Copyright: 2009 North County Times
Contact: http://www.nctimes.com/app/forms/letters/index.php
Website: http://www.nctimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1080
Author: Barbara Gordon

DISPENSARIES HARM OUR COMMUNITIES

Marijuana dispensaries do not make our communities a better place to
live. I want businesses to strengthen and add to our neighborhoods. We
need to care about the entire community, not just a few
individuals.

These types of stores generate complaints because of the marijuana
smoking in and around the dispensaries, loitering and traffic
congestion with purchases for personal use and resale to others. I'm
very grateful law enforcement works to rid our communities of these
dispensaries. We need to care about the quality of life for all citizens.

In California, many municipalities have adopted moratoriums or bans on
these types of businesses because of the problems that have been
documented by residents and law enforcement. Dispensaries are easy
marks for criminal activities because of the value of marijuana and
large amounts of cash in the store.

These stores are in business to make money and will sell marijuana to
anyone who produces a written recommendation. These recommendations
can be obtained by paying a doctor's fee and claiming any medical
condition, even a headache.

Dispensaries pose a considerable risk to the public health, safety and
welfare and do not make our communities a better place to live.

Barbara Gordon

Carmel Valley
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr