I can at least admit that I'm stubborn

Whether you feel all warm and fuzzy about dispensaries or not, the statistical evidence from areas where they've been established shows that crime rates decrease and other businesses around them flourish.

With the exception of the occasional dispensary robbery, there is no evidence to show an increase in crime with direct connection to medical marijuana dispensaries
After analyzing the numbers, it seems strange that anyone would try to say medical marijuana causes any crime. If anything, the data shows quite the opposite.

http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=4339

http://www.scribd.com/doc/294793/Medical-Mariju...

Just found on the more expansive Enterprise article about this that BUDS is taking the issue to the state Superior Court. They've also aligned themselves with Medical Marijuana Inc, a national corporation which offers “integrated tax oversight and collection solutions to local, state and federal governments, while also providing business management… Read More solutions to the industry that will confidently ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.”

http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/article/200...

wow, apparently you can actually buy stock in MJNA (Medical Marijuana Inc.)

I got a little curious & looked up some information about the historical application of cannabis. Some of it I knew already, but some of it was surprising. We knew George Washington grew hemp & all, but apparently there's evidence that he COULD have been cultivating cannabis for medicinal purposes. (considering his dental problems, and the fact that Thomas Jefferson grew poppies & colonial Americans were still bleeding each other for most diseases, I don't see this revelation that as terribly controversial… but damned if I don't appreciate the significance of our first president using what we now call marijuana.)

Ancient History:
http://www.druglibrary.net/schaffer/Library/stu...
New World History:
http://www.druglibrary.net/schaffer/Library/stu...

Very interesting read… I'm wondering how I haven't found these before. I've read the Schaffer report which focuses on more current issues in the 1970s, but this historical context is fascinating. I am such a nerd.

There is no need to fling personal attacks, and the “you're on crack” could be misinterpreted as an insult, rather than the unsuccessful attempt to add levity to the conversation that it was.

I don't support illegal drug use. I don't support criminals. I don't support giving marijuana to children (with the exception of medical applications under the supervision of a doctor when no safer/better alternatives are available/effective)

I support taking an analytical and pragmatic approach to an issue which we will probably never be rid of, at least not in my lifetime.

It's a contentious issue, which has long been applied to the more general ideological & cultural battle of the left vs the right. It is not about ideology, but about dealing with a very serious problem (drug use) in the best way possible: reduce the harm drugs cause to the user & society.

There are many and varied issues to consider, and every drug (legal or not) has individual risks and benefits which must be considered scientifically and objectively to formulate effective policy which helps 1)discourage people using drugs they don't medically need 2)stop/lower drug-related crime & 3)limit access to children.

I really & sincerely hope that you never have to deal with a loved one losing their life or freedom because of drugs & the enforcement of their prohibition, but I also hope you understand that there are many of us who have seen much suffering & death in the name of our vain attempt at drug obliteration. Sacrificing civility because of the personal pain I have suffered over the experiences of people close to me is regrettable.