TIME FOR SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TO EMBRACE MEDICAL MARIJUANA

FEAR- That was the driving force of movies such as "Reefer Madness"
from the 1930's. It is also the driving force behind San Bernardino
County's extended and costly campaign to oppose the will of the people
regarding medical marijuana. It has been eleven years since Prop. 215
became law. In 2003, SB420 clarified many of the questions surrounding
implementation of this law. San Bernardino County has said plainly
that they are choosing to follow Federal Law instead of State Law.

Los Angeles County has over 100 active medical marijuana dispensaries
and Co-ops. Most of these facilities are clean, secure, safe, and
professionally managed. All of them are very strict in validating
medical recommendations. They do not cause crime or bring down the
station of the communities they serve. In fact, most of them give
back. And most important of all they pay taxes.

It is ignorant to assume that cannabis use does not occur in San
Bernardino County. It is also ignorant to assume that most of the
people who use it are low life criminals. Let's leave the Nixonesque
hard line where it belongs in the 60's and progress with the rest of
the state. The San Bernardino County Supervisors should immediately
drop it's appeal in the Medical Marijuana litigation with San Diego
County and embrace the good things associated with this important state law.

Scott Bledsoe

Crestline, CA