Pubdate: Mon, 04 Apr 2011 Source: Daily Sentinel, The (Grand Junction, CO) Copyright: 2011 Cox Newspapers, Inc. Contact: http://www.gjsentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2084 Author: Holly Owen Thoele OPPOSITION OFF TARGET ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA Voters who oppose medical marijuana dispensaries in Grand Junction are wrongly focused on the effects of pot on children. Licensed dispensaries do not sell marijuana to underage users. Voting to ban medical sales of marijuana in stores to save youngsters from pot use is misguided. Worse, it is unfair to legal adults who find relief in its alternative treatment. Current regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries are more than adequate to prevent purchases by adolescents. Every patient is required to be registered with the state of Colorado and to provide proof of eligibility at every purchase. Video cameras record each transaction and law enforcement has unlimited access to records. Well-regulated sales of marijuana actually provide more positive benefits for our most vulnerable citizens. Children, teens and other unlicensed users are prevented from buying marijuana, and those in the poorest health have safe access to natural relief without the use of heavy prescription drugs. Medical marijuana dispensaries also provide enormous relief for local taxpayers. Unlike other forms of legal medicine, marijuana is subject to taxation. Income from dispensaries has the potential to significantly reduce taxes in Grand Junction. Sadly, marijuana is still freely available on the black market. Banning state-sanctioned dispensaries will not keep kids from buying pot. It only forces legal patients to go underground to obtain relief. State-sanctioned dispensaries are providing protection and comfort for our severely ill and disabled citizens while pumping needed tax dollars into Grand Junction's floundering economy. A vote of "No" on city Referred Measure A is both compassionate and wise. HOLLY OWEN THOELE Grand Junction - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.