Pubdate: Thu, 13 May 2010
Source: Summit Daily News (CO)
Copyright: 2010 Summit Daily News
Contact: http://apps.summitdaily.com/forms/letter/index.php
Website: http://www.summitdaily.com/home.php
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/587
Author: Colette Wilson

BRECKENRIDGE: FUTURE POT LAB?

We are on the verge of becoming the educational and research leader 
in the nation! Because Summit County has always embraced and elevated 
education, we have created a community of life-long learners and 
lovers of education.

When citizens of Breckenridge take a peek into the financial and 
historical opportunities presented, we will be joining hands in 
celebration for the landmark opportunities Breckenridge will embark 
on. We will be praised for initiating a landmark discovery that could 
literally create healing opportunities that will forever be rooted in 
Breckenridge history.

Consider the opportunities. The United States does not conduct 
scientifically valid research to support or deny medical marijuana 
claims. Since it is a crime in most US cities to consume cannabis 
recreationally, research institutes must forgo valid, double-blind, 
scientifically based research studies because they cannot gain access 
to control group subjects.

Currently, research scientists in the US are permitted to conduct 
cannabis "case studies." In case study research, the scientist 
gathers information on individuals who claim cannabis has helped 
them. Yes, they have before-and-after evidence which documents 
dramatic improvements, and the scientific community does not consider 
this type of research as definitive evidence.

Double-blind research studies involving medical marijuana require a 
control group. The control group must be able to consume cannabis, 
and the researcher must be able to dispense the substance to both the 
research group and the control group. Of the thousands of cities all 
over the United States, Breckenridge is the only place where valid, 
scientific-based research can finally be done because of 
legalization/decriminalization of personal use cannabis.

By changing or re-wording the marijuana ordinance as it currently 
stands, Breckenridge will be "voting ourselves off the island" and 
eliminating any opportunity now or in the future for exclusive, 
scientifically based cannabis research studies that our country 
needs. How long must we, as citizens of the United States, wait to 
receive valid, reliable research studies conducted on our own soil?

Colette Wilson

Breckenridge
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