Pubdate: Sun, 14 Nov 2010 Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel (CA) Copyright: 2010 Santa Cruz Sentinel Contact: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/submitletters Website: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/394 Author: Lois A. Roth VISIT COLLECTIVES FIRST The purpose of this letter is to provide education about what happens when you visit a medical marijuana dispensary or collective. I have visited the two major collectives in Santa Cruz, as well as the establishments mentioned in Tuesday's front page article. FACT: I have never seen any discarded containers of any kind littering parking lots or common areas of these establishments. Most of these establishments are cleaner and have better security than most retail businesses. FACT: At every visit, in every dispensary, I have left with all packages stapled closed with specific instructions/reminders that I am not allowed to consume any medicines in any public areas of the establishment. FACT: At every visit, I am reminded to be respectful of the neighborhood that the business is in. My experience with these businesses has shown that they are conscientiously monitoring their establishments to ensure harmony with their neighbors and in their neighborhoods. And lastly, medical marijuana consumers come from all walks of life and all backgrounds: I am a middle-aged professional woman who has successfully utilized medical marijuana for the past two years. Yes, I'm a typical stoner and proud of it. If you have never been, I encourage you to visit a collective and see firsthand how they operate. Lois A. Roth, Felton - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart