Pubdate: Wed, 23 Mar 2011
Source: Herald, The (Everett, WA)
Copyright: 2011 The Daily Herald Co.
Contact:  http://www.heraldnet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/190
Author: Erin Elliott

PATIENTS, OUTLETS ARE NOT CRIMINALS

Regarding the Saturday article, "Lynnwood medical pot dispensary shut
down by police":

I have been a patient of BZB Medical Group for over a year. I suffer
from multiple, documented illnesses, including cancer. I am not blind
to the indiscretions that occur at some dispensaries around the state.
However, BZB is a law-abiding business. Their sole concern is the
welfare of their patients. It is outrageous that the Lynnwood police
would use such strong-arm methods to in essence burglarize these
giving people.

I spent 20 years as an alcohol and drug Interventionist, dealing with
teens and young adults. I have battled the "drug war" with thousands
of young people. I know firsthand how troubling it is, and how
concerned the public is with the availability of marijuana today.
However, BZB is there to service only patients -- people who are
suffering from debilitating illnesses, who have either exhausted all
other medical avenues, or are simply relieved for the first time in
their lives by the medicinal values of cannabis.

Never in my adult life did I ever think that I would extol the virtues
of cannabis. Nor did I ever think that I would find myself turning to
it for pain relief, but after over 30 years of constant daily pain,
numerous surgeries and multiple debilitating medications, I am here to
tell all that cannabis is the only thing that has made my life bearable.

Please help me, and those like me, fight for the rights of these
people. They are not criminals! They should not be treated as such.
These are people who follow up with their patients, and treat them
like family. These are people who truly care about the well being of
those they help.

I implore you, help us to help them.

Erin Elliott

Preston 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake