Pubdate: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 Source: Red Bluff Daily News (CA) Copyright: 2009 Red Bluff Daily News Contact: http://redbluffdailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1079 Author: Kathy Bonner GOING TO POT Editor: It is indeed unfortunate to have the local law enforcement deal with medical marijuana chaos as they struggle with the budget deficit. It is well proven that this popular craze invites crime, which offsets the medical good that it is supposed to do. Solid evidence supports this substance as a gateway drug leading to other drugs where vandalism and other more serious crimes are committed. To simplify, take a look at neighborhoods in your own community. Property values are run down. Everyone suffers a loss, as well as the singled-out intended victim. Prop. 215 said nothing about dispensaries or collectives. Be proud Tehama County people as the North State, including Shasta and other north state counties, did not vote for this problematic quagmire, including we in Tehama County. It appears that for many proponents of medical marijuana, they just have an axe to grind, being that of previous anti-establishment issues. Let us remember that local government was set forth and modeled by design after our original constitution thus meaning a rightful power over citizens by elected officials through a democratic process. Without this formation there would be anarchy. Hence the behavior at certain City Council meetings is interesting, isn't it? To legalize marijuana by taxing will not offset the cost of more law enforcement. In addition to that of other bureaucratic code enforcement departments. Certainly not the increased cost of health care. That being damaged lungs, brains and premature babies born with mental disabilities. This and more is documented in the catalog Marijuana Myths and Facts. Copies may be obtained from the ONDCP Drug Policy Informational Clearing House by calling 1-800-666- 3322 or sending an e-mail It is also online at www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov. Facts: Many hospitals are going bankrupt; several in California. I have personally been to health care professionals and been told that the majority of marijuana users are unemployed and have their medical bills paid by Medi-Cal, which of course is a subsidy by the working tax payer. The new strain of marijuana with its super potent THC appears to accelerate crime even more so. In addition it reaps immense damage to mind and body. While some strains mellow one down other strains energize with the user's mind flipflopping. This is documented in manuals of science their specialty the mind and activity of the schizophrenic. Mind you this is updated material. Thanks to England, America is now beginning to learn. Enough said, merely to dull pain will result in the most negative of consequences. It appears that California's going to pot by dopey people. I am also very sorry about what local governments are going through. The totally unnecessary problems cast upon them. For shame. It is also a disgrace to our proud little city. Kathy Bonner, Red Bluff - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D