Pubdate: Fri, 09 May 2014 Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA) Copyright: 2014 Chico Enterprise-Record Contact: http://www.chicoer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861 Author: Robert Galia Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n403/a02.html REGULATIONS WOULD HELP THOSE WHO NEED MEDICINE Regarding the letter "Wahl an ally for citizens against for-profit growers": Lately there have been many letters to the editor complaining about for-profit cannabis growing (as if growing an agricultural commodity that is in high demand is somehow inherently evil). Yes, there have been problems in the foothills with environmental degradation, but these problems can be easily solved with sensible regulation. However, the Butte County Board of Supervisors - mainly Larry Wahl - are more interested in extermination, rather than sensible regulation, of this amazing , wonderful plant. Their policies, which seem to be based on lies, fear and false propaganda (please Google "the history of marijuana") will, if enacted, bring economic disaster to this county. The people of California have already spoken: If you are in need you have the right to grow six plants. I am very thankful that there are people like Andrew Merkel defending our rights to harvest this amazing medicine. Instead of whining about people making a profit for their hard labor, we should all be embracing this industry not only for the economic benefits, but also for the awesome potential of this plant to make us healthier. I believe that history will show that the complete legalization of cannabis will be a boon for both the economy and our health. By the way, everyone I know farms organically. It is the cartel operations that pollute, and these stupid, restrictive policies only strengthen them. - - Robert Galia, Chico - --- MAP posted-by: Matt