Pubdate: Sun, 08 Jan 2012 Source: Record Searchlight (Redding, CA) Copyright: 2012 Susan Chalecki Contact: http://www.redding.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/360 Author: Susan Chalecki 'MEDICAL' MARIJUANA IS MOSTLY FOR MONEY First, I would like to state that "my personal opinion" is that marijuana is a better "drug of choice" than booze. I have close relationships with drinkers and potheads. While they're under the influence, I prefer the potheads, although I would rather not be around either. Now, to the reason I am writing: I have followed the medical marijuana issue closely, and it is mostly garbage. While there are people who truly benefit from its use, most of those that have a Proposition 215 "script" are not using it for medical reasons. They are using it for a legal high, period. I personally know, and it pains me to admit it, more than 20 people who have "scripts." Several of these people have been pushing me, really pushing me, to get a "script" for my wrecked back. Not because they think it will help me but to allow them to grow larger amounts so they can make more money. Of the 22 people I know - yes, 22 - who have scripts, only two have even a tiny reason for its regular use. One has a sleeping disorder. He is only supposed to use it before bed to "aid in restful sleep." I guess he needs to sleep all day because he smokes it all day. Also, there is a medication that would cost him less that he could take. The other person has been smoking pot so much for so long that if he doesn't smoke it he can't eat, a common side effect of prolonged use of marijuana. Two out of 22 that have scripts. Not good. The fact is people are using their scripts to legalize money-making grows and to get high. I am tired of those who misuse scripts trying to wrap their misuse up in the guise of "providing medicine" for those who need it. That is just plain abuse of a law that was meant to help people. I stand behind the city's ruling to close the collectives. Those who need it should grow their own. They don't need 99 plants; a few will do. Who the heck needs 99 plants for "personal medication" anyway? Get real. If you need that much medication, wow. What else is there to say. It is in your face abuse, period. Susan Chalecki, Redding - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D