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
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart