Pubdate: Sat, 8 Jan 2011 Source: Hi-Desert Star (Yucca Valley, CA) Copyright: 2011 Hi Desert Star Contact: http://www.hidesertstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3921 Author: Dave Harrill Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n1070/a01.html CANNABIS DECISION NOT RELIGIOUS ONE This is in response to the view of Anthony Mays that it is un-Christian to have a "medical marijuana" dispensary in Yucca Valley. The city council is in place to make decisions for the people of Yucca Valley and this is not a religious decision. In fact, it is mandated by law that they keep apart church and state. * What "belief system" calls for the forbidding of medical cannabis (actual name for plant that has medical benefits), anyway? Is name calling Christian? "Not people of faith," "spineless sellouts." Is it Christian to make negative judgments of other people's faith? Who said "judge not lest ye be judged"? If he researches the history of cannabis, Mr. Mays may find, as others have, that laws against and attitudes about cannabis were based on information that were lies and motivated by greed. It has been proven that cannabis is very useful medicine. I understand the majority of surveyed residents approve of a cannabis dispensary in town. We should applaud the efforts of those establishing this cannabis facility against the loud oppositions of a handful of people who know little about it, spreading fear and hate. It is a nonprofit business supplying cannabis to (almost exclusively older) individuals, displaying verification from a doctor, who have serious medical issues that cannabis helps them deal with. What valid information tells Mr. Mays that cannabis is some evil thing? Leave the judging of medical needs to the doctors. Dave Harrill Yucca Valley - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake