Pubdate: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 Source: South Whidbey Record (WA) Copyright: 2011 South Whidbey Record Contact: http://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2515 Author: Emerson Schumacher TURN IN THE ILLEGAL POT DEALERS To the editor: Re: "Freeland man sets fire to pot crop to quell critics and threats." To all genuine medical marijuana patients -- the criminal element is ruining the whole program, inflating prices for people who can barely afford medications prescribed by their medical providers. As a recent (August) patient, I encountered obvious illegal dealers, who where noticeably amped up on a stimulant. And after 25 years in one location without a robbery, one month after I started home deliveries I was ripped off for 110 grand of studio and guitars (mainland), amplifiers, meds, etc. I use a co-op on the mainland that never exceeds $250, provides smaller amounts if requested and delivers a safe crop by safe people to the Mukilteo ferry. To reiterate, to all legal patients: Notify the police and turn in the illegal dealers, and work toward making the politicians set standards and oversee the program to add to our medical drug's safety, quality, safe delivery or pickup and to enhance legitimacy. I now function significantly better than prior to becoming a patient as a result. I am eating, walking again and doing the things I did prior to my condition manifesting itself. My dogs are happy, as is my wife, that I am functioning. So again I suggest we put them out of biz, turn them in and seek rules changes and safe providers on the island or off. Let's keep the island safe. Turn them in as I am. Emerson Schumacher Coupeville - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom