Pubdate: Thu, 23 Feb 2012
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2012 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Jim Kennedy

LOCAL BANS HAVE NO TEETH

In response to The Columbian's Feb. 20 editorial, "Follow federal law:
County commissioners correctly decide to protect employees from
prosecution," know that cannabis will be a Schedule I drug under the
Controlled Substance Act just as long as those corporations that stand
to lose millions (billions?) should it be rescheduled have millions to
spend to see that it isn't.

Know that section RCW 69.51A.140 of state law does not speak to
"collective medical marijuana gardens," but to dispensing and
dispensaries. Under the law there is no requirement for a collective
garden to be registered, licensed or zoned. Don't let the current
moratoriums fool you. They have no teeth.

The municipalities are taking actions beyond their legal purview. That
being written then, there is no concern for county employees being
prosecuted by the Department of Justice. The subject is moot.

What municipalities should be doing is making it clear they will
enforce the current state law as written. RCW 69.51A.085 is quite
clear on the definition of a garden. A store front or any other
"commercial" interest obviously is not its intent.

Won't somebody please, oh please, do some research (read the law!) and
mine this mountain back down to a mole hill?

The Columbian has disappointed; it's being led by the
nose.

Jim Kennedy

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Matt