Pubdate: Thu, 25 Aug 2016
Source: Press Democrat, The (Santa Rosa, CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Press Democrat
Contact:  http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/348
Author: Dick Mellberg
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n549/a04.html

THE GREEN RUSH

EDITOR: You recently reported that Santa Rosa officials "see 
significant economic development opportunities" associated with the 
(assumed) future legalization of marijuana ("SR aims to be epicenter 
of legal pot industry," Aug. 14). In a subsequent editorial 
("Defining Santa Rosa's place in the pot industry," Aug. 17), you 
suggested a cautionary approach because of the many unresolved issues 
associated with the marijuana industry. These advocacy efforts should 
also consider a few unmentioned issues:

In Colorado, consumption of marijuana by youth 12-17 years old has 
significantly increased since recreational marijuana was legalized. 
Usage is 74 percent higher than the national average.

Illegal cultivation of marijuana is widespread in Northern 
California, causing severe damage to the environment from pollution 
and divergence of natural water sources.

Enforcement of DUI laws isn't currently possible because there is no 
practical procedure for measuring the degree of marijuana intoxication.

These are complex issues, and their resolution is far beyond the 
capabilities of the City Council and staff. It's especially 
disappointing that Councilwoman Julie Combs is inclined to exempt the 
marijuana industry from enforcement of public safety laws. I would 
hope that the city could find better economic development 
opportunities than creating a "New Age Amsterdam." Ironically, 
cultivation of marijuana in the Netherlands has always been illegal, 
and the permitted sales in "coffee shops" are becoming much more restrictive.

Once again, it seems that money is the only consideration. I wonder why.

DICK MELLBERG

Santa Rosa
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom