Pubdate: Wed, 02 Mar 2011 Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA) Copyright: 2011 Chico Enterprise-Record Contact: http://www.chicoer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861 Author: Don Dunbar Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n123/a11.html LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD ON POT LAWS Your editorial regarding medical marijuana was right on. We have been subjected to a horrible nuisance and public safety nightmare with renter neighbors growing 50 huge plants on a half-acre lot. The skunk-like odor is unbelievably bad, so strong that we were unable to leave our windows open. The public safety risk is very serious and has been well-documented locally. It was shocking to find that this operation was legal. The pot-growing neighbors are all young and healthy but apparently have many friends with marijuana "prescriptions" and are allowed to grow for all of them as a collective. I support a true medical usage, but that is not what is happening in the majority of cases. The proposed ordinance would limit properties of one acre or less to two mature plants which can grow 10 feet tall with high-density foliage. With the potency of modern hybrids this is more than enough for medical needs. Marijuana proponents argued at the supervisors meeting that this would not be enough. This is ridiculous. The proposed ordinance should stop the sham operations while still allowing for real medical needs. County residents: This issue will greatly affect you if one of these operations moves into your neighborhood. Please take a few minutes and contact the Board of Supervisors. Let them know you support the proposed ordinance. The growers are highly motivated but in the minority. Don't let their voices be the only ones the supervisors hear. - -Don Dunbar Chico - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.