Pubdate: Sun, 24 Jan 2016
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Sacramento Bee
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1
Website: http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: April Roeseler

ESCHEW SEDUCTION OF BIG MARIJUANA

Re "Don't bogart that beta blocker" (Forum, Jan. 17): Thank you to 
Jack Ohman for raising concerns about retail marijuana legalization 
in Oregon and the implications for California. In this debate, 
California must be vigilant against the seduction of Silicon Valley 
investors, big marijuana business interests and a new tax revenue source.

California must not ignore the potential for unintended public health 
and safety consequences. Louis Pasteur's "chance favors the mind" - 
coupled with the precautionary principle - should be standards that 
guide California. Issues that voters and regulatory agencies need to 
quickly become knowledgeable about include the public health 
implications associated with teen marijuana use and use by 
individuals predisposed to certain mental health conditions, the 
toxicity of marijuana secondhand smoke, poisonings from edibles, 
driving under the influence, pesticide contamination and water use.

Action and public education must be based on credible science that is 
unbiased by big business interests. We must also learn from Colorado, 
Washington and Oregon.

April Roeseler, Carmichael
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom