Pubdate: Sun, 08 Mar 2009
Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2009 San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Contact: http://www.sgvtribune.com/writealetter
Website: http://www.sgvtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3725
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

MEDICAL MARIJUANA, YES OR NO?

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's recent announcement  that the 
Obama administration will let states enforce  their own laws on 
medical marijuana means Californians  can finally buy and sell 
prescription pot without fear  of federal raids.

But tension remains over medical marijuana dispensaries  and drug 
laws. In fact, many local cities have outright  banned the 
dispensaries, wanting no part of the  dispute.

Californians in 1996 overwhelmingly supported  legalizing marijuana 
for medical patients, but did  voters anticipate toking for headaches 
or anxiety?

Throw in the proposed legislation by a San Francisco  assemblyman to 
legalize, tax and regulate marijuana,  and it seems clear there's a 
movement toward leniency.

What's your take on the change in policy toward  marijuana use in 
California? And where do you see it  heading?

Will the end of federal raids allow scofflaw  dispensaries to 
flourish? Or will law-abiding, ill  patients be able to seek relief 
without fear or hassle?  Would you support a medical marijuana 
dispensary in  your city?

Send your responses to  (Whittier  Daily News);  (Pasadena  Star-News); or  (San Gabriel  Valley Tribune).

Like any "Your View" letter, your letter must include  your full 
name, the community or city in which you live and a daytime phone 
number. We'll print as many as we can in the respective "Your  View" sections.

And as always, happy opinionating.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom