Pubdate: Mon, 24 Aug 2015
Source: Concord Monitor (NH)
Copyright: 2015 Monitor Publishing Company
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/WbpFSdHB
Website: http://www.concordmonitor.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/767
Author: Maureen Ebner

A MARIJUANA FARCE

Plymouth has been chosen by the state as one of four communities to 
host the new medical marijuana dispensaries.

The residents of Plymouth had no input into this decision. Sanctuary 
ATC, the Alternative Treatment Center chosen by our state Department 
of Health and Human Services, approached our town government with a 
complete proposal for this facility. Our town government had received 
no prior indication that Plymouth was even being considered. The 
state and the ATC did their research, anticipated the many objections 
that would be raised, chose a specific site, and, with the help of 
their local attorney, slipped under the radar and into our community. 
It was only then that the town had the ability to hold a public 
hearing, which was a farce.

Community members were invited to voice concerns and ask questions, 
but we soon discovered that the decision was made. The seats in our 
town hall were usurped by the marijuana lobbyists (many from out of 
town and out of state), and the citizens were forced to stand in the 
aisles and out in the hallway where they could not readily 
participate in the discussion.

The DHHS and Legislature assured towns that the dispensaries would 
not be located in communities that did not welcome them. The state 
now tells us we can't discriminate against this facility. And thanks 
to this legislation, the hardworking people who are on the front 
lines of education, law enforcement and drug prevention will have a 
heavier load to bear.

MAUREEN EBNER

Plymouth
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom