Pubdate: Fri, 07 Sep 2012
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2012 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409

GET ON INITIATIVE 502 BANDWAGON

The federal crackdown on medical-marijuana dispensaries in Seattle 
underscores the need to support Washington Initiative 502.

Seattle's medical marijuana stores have been living in a dream. Some 
have been so complacent as to oppose Initiative 502, the 
decriminalization measure on the Nov. 6 ballot.

They didn't want a state marijuana tax. They didn't want regulation 
by the Liquor Control Board, and they didn't want a blood-THC 
standard for driving under the influence. They had what they wanted, 
marijuana unregulated and tax-free, protected by the forbearance of 
liberal politicians.

Now they don't have it. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration 
has moved to shut down 26 of Seattle's 145 dispensaries because they 
are within 1,000 feet of a school, playground or, in the case of a 
Shoreline dispensary, a public trail.

The DEA spokeswoman says all the remaining marijuana stores are 
illegal, too. An outspoken Seattle attorney now advises his cannabis 
clients: "Close, and close fast."

Closed doors are not what the people of Washington want. More than 58 
percent of voters favored medical cannabis 14 years ago, and more 
people support it now. We believe they are ready for the next step, 
marijuana decriminalization for general adult use. I-502 is a vehicle 
for the people to say that. It is a way to push back against the 
Obama administration, which has been much less liberal on this issue 
than many had hoped.

Everyone involved in medical cannabis should support Initiative 502. 
It does not offer unregulated freedom; the people of Washington are 
not ready for that. We believe they are ready to bring marijuana 
above ground to license it, tax it and regulate its sale and use. 
Initiative 502 asks for that. It is a step forward.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom