Pubdate: Fri, 02 May 2014
Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Chico Enterprise-Record
Contact:  http://www.chicoer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861
Note: Letters from newspaper's circulation area receive publishing priority
Author: Chris Short

DON'T PAINT MARIJUANA GROWERS WITH BROAD BRUSH

In the April 25 issue of the E-R is an editorial about the current 
medical marijuana referendum. The editorial states that "They're 
sociopaths with guns and vicious dogs," in reference to pot growers 
in the "marijuana industry." That is a horrible generalization and is 
borderline libelous. Yes, there are criminal elements and cartels 
growing huge gardens for profit. Yes, there are unruly growers with 
guns and dogs. There are also growers who are good people with guns 
and dogs to protect their property and legal garden from criminals 
who would rather steal than work.

Yes, there are growers tearing up the land and spraying dangerous 
chemicals and pesticides; ruining the ecosystem. There are also many 
growers that don't want to take pain pills, or need cannabis to help 
them eat or sleep. There are many growers who grow only organically, 
and do no environmental damage.

Don't criminalize all growers. Let's all work together to develop a 
referendum that mitigates the issues for both sides.

- - Chris Short, Oroville
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom