Pubdate: Thu, 09 Oct 2014
Source: Tampa Bay Times (FL)
Copyright: 2014 St. Petersburg Times
Contact: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/
Website: http://www.tampabay.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419
Author: Susan Latvala
Page: A8

MEDICAL POT'S NEGATIVE IMPACTS

Amendment 2

Contrary to claims made by proponents of Amendment 2, legalized
medical marijuana would have a negative impact on the economy and the
jobless rate. The federal status of marijuana as an illegal drug,
which would remain unchanged regardless of state law, could put
employers in the difficult position of having to choose which law to
follow: state or federal. This could lead to employee
terminations.

The amendment will also lead to marijuana dispensaries cropping up in
our neighborhoods. According to a Florida Department of Health report,
Amendment 2 will lead to more than 1,700 pot shops statewide. This
would almost guarantee the supply of marijuana would remain steady in
places near our schools, playgrounds and parks.

The amendment also poses a threat to our children's safety. In
Colorado, where marijuana has been legalized, marijuana-related
emergency room visits of children under the age of 5 increased by 200
percent from 2006 to 2012 as sales of edible forms of marijuana became
available, which include cookies, muffins and brownies. We simply
can't let that happen here in Florida.

The amendment fails significantly to restrict the opening of marijuana
shops in our neighborhoods. At present, counties might be able to
control pot shop locations via zoning restrictions to industrial
areas, an unappealing option to current or future business owners.
Lawsuits alleging restricted access have been filed, however, against
local governments in states with medical marijuana laws - costing
taxpayers huge sums in legal fees.

As a community leader, I strive to promote policies that place the
interests of our communities - including our children - above all
else. Upon closer inspection, Amendment 2 falls short of that
standard. I urge all Tampa Bay residents to oppose Amendment 2.

Susan Latvala, Pinellas County commissioner, Palm Harbor
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MAP posted-by: Matt