Pubdate: Wed, 30 Jun 2010 Source: North County Times (Escondido, CA) Copyright: 2010 North County Times Contact: http://www.nctimes.com/app/forms/letters/index.php Website: http://www.nctimes.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1080 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n484/a01.html Author: Candy Brown BAN POT DISPENSARIES ALTOGETHER In response to "Supervisors adopt restrictive medical marijuana ordinance," June 24: I'm very disappointed in our supervisors for not banning these drug distribution centers altogether. Marijuana is a harmful substance and should not be distributed in our communities or neighborhoods. Our supervisors have a responsibility to protect all citizens, including and most especially the weak, sick and suffering. Let the scientists determine if, when and how to provide an addictive drug to those who suffer. Providing marijuana to anyone who can buy a recommendation for $150 is just plain irresponsible. Pot dispensaries bring violent crime to our communities. Two employees of pot dispensaries were murdered in Los Angeles on June 24. The dispensaries are a cash-and-carry business that is at risk for violent crime. Most store owners have weapons for protection because they know this. Do we want to see the same drug cartel violence in San Diego that we see every day in Mexico and across our borders? The drug cartels' most lucrative product is marijuana, and we should expect the cartels to protect what they think is their territory. Saying yes to drug distribution centers, aka marijuana dispensaries, is to attract, entice or even expect violence, and in turn, citizen and law enforcement risk and cost. Candy Brown Encinitas - --- MAP posted-by: Matt