MARIJUANA MEETING SURVEYS REFLECT DIVERSE GROUPS

The surveys filled out at Tuesday's meeting on the possibly
approaching post-marijuana economy painted a picture of a community
threatened by marijuana legalization, but one ready to cooperate in
the search for a solution.

The survey had five questions and a section for comments or extra
questions:

* Will legalization improve the economic situation?

* What are your strengths if marijuana is legalized?

* Weaknesses?

* Threats?

* Assets?

To the first question, most of the 11 stakeholder groups said no, some
said maybe, while none of the groups said yes.

Many groups said they were afraid of the intervention of the federal
government, "corporate takeover," and the issues that come with
implementing regulations.

While nonprofits, which made up one group, said they had
"organizational capacity and skills," they also said they are
"underfunded," and "overextended." They are afraid the confusion
around legalization will cause people to donate less to nonprofits,
causing services to shrink, yet they also hope nonprofits can help the
community to "mobilize."

Businesses, which made up another group, said they understand branding
and marketing, and have the know-how to operate a legal business, but
they also worried over possible failures to brand successfully, what
success might bring and how associating with an illegal industry might
affect them. They also said they have a resistance to structure and
regulation and feel that there are a few "bad apples" who give the
industry a bad name. Businesses said they can pool their resources and
encourage "young entrepreneurs' involvement." They also wanted to
promote tourism.

Educators said they want to "be a part of the transition to legality,
especially educating youth on potential abuses of pot; (and) educate
(residents) about options (for) making a living in other economies."

Members of the art community said they have marketing and
graphic-design skills, but are limited by "fear-based thinking and
planning."

Organic outdoor growers said they have experience, and the ability to
educate others and regulate their product, as well as a "dedication to
environmental sensibility, to a good product and to good treatment of
workers."

They acknowledge that they are contributing to "increasing water
usage," and they are threatened by county land use codes. Growers were
concerned about being able to "pay clippers well," and want to
establish a processing plant to turn waste materials into paper and
packaging for the product. They also want to create a lab to test
product quality.

Medical patients and growers said they can contribute to those
"potential tax dollars" legalization supporters refer to, and that
they offer the "knowledge, love and history" that they've developed
over the years. They said they are unorganized and feel they have no
representation from their local officials.

Property owners said they have "experience, personal commitment, (an)
ability to create jobs," but are at the mercy of the price
fluctuations of both pot and property values.

Governmental representatives said they can create certification
processes, land-use polices and can research funding options, as well
as give support to those creating legitimate businesses. They also
recognize that government is slow to take action, is subject to state
and federal oversight and has no ready money.

Health care representatives, which focused on alternative approaches,
said the field has the opportunity and skills for educating others,
but is reliant on a cash economy and does not have sufficient
insurance coverage or reimbursements. Health care representatives said
they were afraid that the lack of cash flow in the county would limit
health care access.

There were also two groups labeled "Just Curious." These groups had
questions about what legalization would look like economically, were
concerned about water quality and availability issues and corporate
competition. They also supported branding, certification and marketing
marijuana as a product.