Pubdate: Thu, 28 Aug 2014
Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Chico Enterprise-Record
Contact:  http://www.chicoer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861
Author: Garry Cooper

MARIJUANA SALES BETTER IN STORES THAN ON STREETS

Given that marijuana is being sold in every community in our country,
we need to objectively evaluate the pros and cons of having
dispensaries for this purpose.

First, you must realize that people are selling pot out of their homes
in virtually every city in our country. Thus, we already have
dispensaries operating in our towns. We also have folks selling at our
parks and on our city streets.

In larger cities turf wars between gangs erupt daily and unpaid bills
and thievery are dealt with on a vigilante basis. Other drugs are
pedaled there as well. The Drug Enforcement Administration estimates
that 70 percent of the illegal drug trade by gangs on the streets is
marijuana.

In a licensed dispensary there is very high security and only
marijuana products are allowed. These businesses are run much the same
as any business and are kept clean and the products are inspected for
quality by skilled persons. Many have minimum signage and are in
moderate rent commercial areas and they have typical business hours.
Buyers present identification.

Given that we all know pot sales are happening under our noses,
doesn't it seem that licensed dispensaries are the best
alternative?

The problem is that our city councilors, county supervisors and state
politicians have all taken generous contributions from the
police/prison industry, who oppose all changes to drug policy, and
their votes on such matters reflect their handler's wishes. Public
policy should benefit society, not police/prison unions.

- - Garry Cooper, Durham
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MAP posted-by: Matt