Pubdate: Sun, 20 Nov 2011
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent (CO)
Copyright: 2011 Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/ys97xJAX
Website: http://www.postindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/821
Author: Ed Rosenberg

POT DISPENSARIES ARE A FARCE

Reading that Glenwood's P&Z denied Ross' new sign proposal and that 
council was revisiting the issue got my attention. I just could not 
believe that a new sign for a business like Ross, which is the type 
of business any town would be happy to have, was denied while local 
"medical" marijuana stores are able to put "Pot & Hash Sale" signs on 
their store fronts and this is OK?

What has happened to us? Is there just no common sense around 
anymore? For the record I have no issue with what an adult does in 
their home with marijuana, or alcohol for that matter.

But what's going on with these "dispensaries" is a farce and we all 
know it. Do we have "Valium" dispensaries, "Percoset" dispensaries or 
"Viagra" Dispensaries? No, because these items of "medicinal" value 
are properly dispensed at a pharmacy.

This whole "dispensary" thing is a joke, but the reality is it's not 
funny at all. A few weeks ago there was a community meeting with the 
State of Colorado Attorney General, Glenwood Springs Police Chief 
Terry Wilson, Dr. Paul Salmen, as well as representatives from the 
Re-1 school board and YouthZone, to name a few.

Acknowledged was the fact that marijuana use by teenagers, in our 
valley, has skyrocketed since the advent of these "dispensaries." The 
reason was explained as twofold: 1) easy access to dispensary 
products through parent and sibling use and 2) the "appearance of 
consent" for marijuana use, by the community, due to the "very 
existence" of these dispensaries.

They explained that it is normal for teenagers to respond to the 
"appearance of consent" for actions as "approval." And when 
questioned about marijuana use, teenagers actually did not even 
understand why marijuana was considered a "problem" when there was 
clear "consent" on Main Street, Glenwood Springs.

Dr. Salmen went on to explain how the actual physical, emotional and 
chemical response of marijuana, in the brain of a teenager, is much 
different than that of an adult, resulting in negative decision 
making and socialization.

It's about the kids.

Ed Rosenberg

Glenwood Springs
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