GET OFF THE POT AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

While many urban residents were far from surprised to see controversy
erupt as medical-marijuana outlets began growing like weeds across
the metro area, more than a few have been startled by criminals that
now seem to be targeting the cannabis growers supplying this
burgeoning industry.

Within the last few days, armed robbers burst into the homes of pot
growers, ransacking the places for the pot and other items. One
robbery occurred here in Colorado, another in Washington, where that
state, too, is going through legalized-medical-marijuana trials and
tribulations.

The notion of these growers becoming likely targets of robbers and
thieves makes it clear this is becoming an even more complicated
issue than it already was. Part of a state regulation package in the
works at the Colorado Legislature involves the state regulating and
keeping track of those who are growing pot for the medical-marijuana
industry. Part of that, however, would involve a list or database,
which would be nothing more than a shopping list for those criminal
types wanting to score some free dope, and for the currently
over-active Drug Enforcement Agency, which doesn't like Colorado's
prescription-pot plans one bit. Federal drug officials last month
raided the home of one Highland's Ranch pot grower who was prompted
to brag about his crop and profits on a local TV news broadcast. The
raid came after and despite earlier assurances by the Obama
administration that they were directing the DEA to pretty much look
the other way while states like Colorad! o sorted out
medical-marijuana issues.

It wouldn't take much imagination to see that local police would,
also, have a keen interest in knowing who is and who is not
"permitted" to grow marijuana in Aurora or elsewhere in the state.

Let's say a concerned neighbor calls police to report that someone
across the street is carrying bags of fertilizer into their house on
a regular basis. Local cops stop by and ask some questions and see
rooms full of grow lights, hydroponic tubing and a forest of
thick-green pot plants. If the state list of permitted growers is
secret, the secret is out if a local police agency and everyone on
the block knows what's going on. And it's just as bad an idea to post
a leafy symbol or something else in the window in the fashion of the
1960s "helping hand" to signify the state's seal of approval for
growing weed.

We still contend that the ultimate and best solution to this and
other reefer madness uncorked by the medical-marijuana law is to end
prohibition, and tax and regulate the industry just like we do
liquor. Such a change would end the mystique that a neighbor's
garden of grass now holds.

In the meantime, state officials need to consider the safety of those
legally growing a legal crop as they craft laws and rules.