Let's be honest. Really, IS ANYBODY SURPRISED? at the messy conflict regarding medical marijuana featured on the front page of the Courier? ("Medical marijuana dispensary dispute," April 23, 2014) I am not acquainted with any of the individuals or business entities named in the story. It is not my intention to take sides in any way, favoring or disfavoring any person or business involved over any other.

Whether we are speaking of the legal fiction of "medical marijuana," as in Arizona and other states, or the open promotion of pot for fun and profit, as in Colorado, I offer the following observations, based on 20 years of experience at the U.S. Penitentiary, Leavenworth:

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