Pubdate: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 Source: Vail Daily (CO) Copyright: 2010 Vail Daily Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/wo3Ts7AI Website: http://www.vaildaily.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3233 Author: Kevin Stephenson VAIL TOOK RIGHT POSITION ON MARIJUANA SHOPS Vail, you should be proud of the stand you have taken banning "medical" marijuana dispensaries. Marijuana, contrary to all the users who'd like to quote statistics to the contrary, is a well-established gateway drug, and banning dispensaries, as well as enforcing the minimum drinking age, are great first steps toward ensuring that your guests are safe while they're in Vail and able to go home in one piece. I recently wrote a letter to the editor for publication in the Aspen Times when Sheriff Bob Braudis decided to retire because it's time that Aspen addresses the substance-abuse issue there. Aspen's suicide rate is regularly the worst in Colorado and among the worst in the nation, and local experts believe it's due to alcohol and substance abuse. I encourage you to refer to the letter I wrote at http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20100504/LETTER/100509971&parentprofile=search If anyone doubts the damage that is being done by law enforcement's current attitude toward drug offenses, have them read that letter, and if you want someone to come and speak to civic or school groups about it, I'd be glad to. Kevin Stephenson Vail,Colorado - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D