Pubdate: Thu, 02 Sep 2010
Source: Daily Sentinel, The (Grand Junction, CO)
Copyright: 2010 Cox Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.gjsentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2084

NO EASY CALL ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

For a number of reasons discussed below, we disagree with the apparent
majority of Grand Junction City Council members who appear poised to
ban medical marijuana dispensaries and growing operations within the
city limits.

But we recognize it is no slam-dunk decision. There are sound
arguments to be made on both sides of the issue.

For instance, when a group of local mothers is willing to put
themselves on the front line of such a contentious issue as this, and
present their arguments in a public City Council meeting about the
potential dangers to youngsters of having medical marijuana
dispensaries throughout the city, council members should take notice.
Ditto when red flags are raised by medical professionals.

And it's true, as several people noted at the City Council meeting
this week, that when they approved the medical marijuana
constitutional amendment a decade ago, Colorado voters didn't
anticipate the creation and proliferation of marijuana dispensaries
that has occurred over the past year.

But that brings up one of our objections to the decision toward which
the City Council is apparently leaning. In most cases, we believe
elected representatives such as council members should make difficult
policy decisions and not defer issues to voters just because they are
contentious.

But in this instance, where medical marijuana was originally approved
by voters, but the situation has changed dramatically from 10 years
ago, it seems sensible to let the voters weigh in on how to handle
medical marijuana in the city.

That's what the Mesa County commissioners decided to do. And, despite
the concerns of some council members about the cost of putting the
issue to voters, we don't believe election issues should be decided
primarily based on expense. The fundamental right and responsibility
of a democracy is voting. Cut costs elsewhere.

In addition, the question of whether local governments can legally ban
medical marijuana dispensaries within their boundaries under a law
adopted by the state Legislature this spring is already headed to
court. It will almost certainly make it to the Colorado Supreme Court
at some point.

Is there a constitutional right in Colorado to have medical marijuana
dispensaries in any community in the state? It seems unlikely, but the
state's high court will ultimately decide. It seems prudent to await
that decision, perhaps with a moratorium on any new dispensaries until
the ruling is handed down.

In any event, it should be noted that even if the City Council decides
to ban the dispensaries within Grand Junction city limits, it won't be
condemning people in pain or with other needs to a life without
medical marijuana. They will still have access to caregivers who can
provide medical marijuana to up to five patients each, just as they
did for the first nine years after Colorado's medical marijuana
amendment was approved.

The council members are dealing with a difficult issue, which provokes
emotional responses from both sides. While we may disagree with the
decision they ultimately reach, we respect their willingness to tackle
this. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D