Pubdate: Sun, 18 Jun 2017
Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2017 The Fresno Bee
Contact:  http://www.fresnobee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/161
Author: Susan Schmale

FORGET MARIJUANA; IT'S METH THAT'S THE PROBLEM

I just heard Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer on the news discussing our
gang problem, killings and crime in Fresno. He then mentioned
marijuana as the drug gangs use. That might be true, but why do we
rarely hear about the huge methamphetamine problem in Fresno from
Chief Dyer, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims and the local media?

Methamphetamine is being imported, made and sold widely in Fresno and
surrounding areas. It is sucking the life out of our communities.
Methamphetamine is the problem, not marijuana, which is legal in
California. Apparently it's easier to advertise "cracking down on
crime" by using our tax dollars to bust growers/dealers of this legal
plant.

Medical marijuana is highly controlled, regulated and certified for
many uses, one being pain. It certainly is much better than highly
addictive opiate drugs, now responsible for another huge problem in
our entire country.

Why don't our leaders actually visit cities with legal dispensaries?
They would also see how the much needed tax revenue for marijuana
sales is helping many communities. Fresno has areas of the highest
poverty in the country. We need the money!

Unfortunately, Fresno continues to take one step forward and two steps
back. This is unforgivable!

Susan Schmale, Sanger
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt