Pubdate: Thu, 19 May 2016
Source: Sacramento News & Review (CA)
Copyright: 2016 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://newsreview.com/sacto/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/540
Author: John Thomas Wanless
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n334/a03.html

NOT NICE, NGAIO

Re "Baby steps" by Ngaio Bealum (SN&R The 420, May 12):

Ngaio, you say "I'm not sure this initiative will pass. All the 
growers I know hate this measure. ... There is no reason for a grower 
in Fresno or Calaveras or any city that allows cannabis cultivation 
to support this measure." They only hate it because they have been 
taking advantage of either the black market or the now-absurd 
"medical excuse" marijuana system, MEMS. MEMS gives them 
quasi-monopolies and outrageously high prices. Neither of these 
artificial systems could last and they only exist on the massive 
suffering from the government persecution of marijuana consumers. "It 
does nothing to help the folks that need it most. ... Without the 
support of the growers and the hardcore activists, AUMA proponents 
will have to appeal to the squares."

I wonder if you know who you left out? Me and the other millions of 
consumers. It's not nice to leave out the key stakeholders. Many of 
us are also "hardcore activists." You do know that marijuana reform 
is about ending the monstrous persecution of consumers, right? AUMA 
does that. Also, all the growers (and dispensary owners) are not 
against AUMA. Only a vociferous few. There are many mature, ethical 
growers and vendors who realize the primary and urgent importance of 
ending the war on marijuana consumers. As Chris Conrad said on the 
Drug Truth Network radio show: "A lot of the opposition is coming 
from people who profit under the current system and really don't want 
to see a change."

John Thomas Wanless

Salinas
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom