Pubdate: Wed, 19 Dec 2012
Source: Two Rivers Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2012 Rodney Donahue
Contact:  http://www.tworiverstribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5422
Author: Rodney Donahue
Note: Title by newshawk

LEGALIZE CANNABIS

Dear Editor,

Legalize Cannabis, For these reasons:

The Hoopa Tribe should legalize cannabis, instead of outlawing it on
the reservation, because there are too many negative impacts from
prohibition.

First of all, we have non-tribal members coming here to grow cannabis
throughout spring, summer and fall. After harvest growers almost
always leave their non-biodegradables behind, including items such as
propane cylinders for cooking, empty canned food cans, plastic jugs,
and water lines. This waste is not only bad for the environment, but
it gets into our food chain and water supply.

Some growers leave the environment unhealthy and littered with
contaminated empty fertilizer and pesticide containers, including
other hazardous waste materials. In a recent article in the
Times-Standard, it was reported that researchers at UC Davis, and
tribal forestry biologists have concluded that pot farm rat poison
from marijuana grows is likely responsible for the deaths of 80
percent of the Pacific Fishers (a small mammal closely related to a
weasel) found dead between 2006 and 2011. Now, if deer consume rat
poison, and we hunt these deer, then we are also poisoned with rat
poison left behind by growers.

Just as a crop starts maturing in late September, until it starts
raining, tribal members have reported being shot at or threatened by
growers while in the process of gathering hazel sticks, bear grass or
acorns, or while hunting or hiking.

These new grows violate our Sovereign rights as indigenous people, by
preventing us from gathering in our traditional designated areas.
Legalizing cannabis as a renewable natural resource, similar to
timber, which has depleted over the years, could result in huge
profits for the tribe.

In addition, it would create employment for tribal members.
Legalization would give the tribe authority to regulate it and ensure
its cultivating in a controlled environment. All the while it could
potentially generate tax revenue for the tribe.

If we built three solar-powered, football field sized grow facilities,
specifically designed for growing cannabis in an environmentally
friendly manner, it would result in eliminating growers from further
contaminating our homeland making it safer to gather basket materials
or hunting and hiking in traditional gathering areas.

I call to action all tribal members to consider my reasons to legalize
cannabis. Together as a sovereign nation, we can invest a portion of
our $49.2 million. But the first step is to get enough tribal member
signatures to have it put on the ballot for the tribal members to
decide in an election.

Remember, we have a voice, but only if we use it.

Sincerely,

Rodney Donahue, Hoopa
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D