Pubdate: Tue, 23 Aug 2011
Source: Fort Collins Coloradoan (CO)
Copyright: 2011 The Fort Collins Coloradoan
Contact: http://www.coloradoan.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.coloradoan.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1580
Author: John Clarke
Note: John Clarke is a former county commissioner, former City Council
member, photographer and 600 KCOL host.

DRUG HURTS; VOTERS SHOULD CLOSE SHOPS

Medical marijuana sounds like an oxymoron to me.

Even though under federal law marijuana is illegal, and I believe it 
has dangerous consequences for society, Amendment 20 to the Colorado 
Constitution was passed by the voters and gives legitimacy to the 
business of medical marijuana.

The pro-pot crowd did a good job of selling the idea that there are 
some sick people in our state who need this pseudo-medicine to 
overcome pain. The truth is that pain can be handled in many ways 
that do not induce intoxication.

Local governments have the right to prevent "clinics" in their 
jurisdiction, and Fort Collins is the only municipality in our area 
that allows these businesses.

City Council was recently presented with an adequate number of 
signatures on petitions asking them to ban these operations or allow 
the voters to decide (in November) as to the continued existence of 
these pot growing distribution centers in Fort Collins.

Acting Fort Collins Police Chief Jerry Schiager (who has expressed 
concern about the potential for increased crime in and around these 
businesses) told me that recently one of these establishments was 
robbed at gunpoint. Then, Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith 
described how police and deputies located the suspect's car and two 
deputies initiated a "high-risk" stop near Interstate 25 and 
Crossroads Boulevard.

A suspect jumped out of the vehicle and was apprehended by a canine 
unit as he tried to flee on foot. The only reported injuries were dog 
bites to the suspects.

Here is the sick part. In addition to cash and marijuana in the 
suspect car, they also found "marijuana edibles" - candy that is 
infused with marijuana. Is there any question that these items were 
aimed at kids?

Contrary to what we often hear from the bong boosters, marijuana is 
addicting and a threat to young people. According to a research 
report prepared by Nancy R. Smith, Ph.D., LPC, "Marijuana increases 
dopamine, which creates the good feelings or 'high' associated with its use."

That is the same process that addicts the human body to tobacco and 
other harmful drugs. Other research shows that marijuana is three 
times more addicting than alcohol.

You may have heard that driving under the influence of marijuana is 
not a problem. That is a myth. According to Smith, "Overall, 
marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug detected in impaired 
drivers, fatally injured drivers, and motor vehicle crash victims."

Marijuana is also a gateway drug. The risk of using cocaine is much 
greater for youth who have tried marijuana than for those who have 
never used it. One frightening statement made by Smith is "Studies 
have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased 
rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. . 
Drug induced psychosis is a reality."

Other major symptoms of marijuana abuse are a loss of memory and 
lethargy. Smith cites one study: "...heavy marijuana abusers reported 
that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement 
including physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, social 
life and academic/career status."

In other words, this drug can make bright, capable and promising 
young people into real losers.

We can do something positive to help our community. Please vote to 
eliminate these marijuana outlets from our town. Our kids deserve it.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom