BRECKENRIDGE: FUTURE POT LAB?

We are on the verge of becoming the educational and research leader
in the nation! Because Summit County has always embraced and elevated
education, we have created a community of life-long learners and
lovers of education.

When citizens of Breckenridge take a peek into the financial and
historical opportunities presented, we will be joining hands in
celebration for the landmark opportunities Breckenridge will embark
on. We will be praised for initiating a landmark discovery that could
literally create healing opportunities that will forever be rooted in
Breckenridge history.

Consider the opportunities. The United States does not conduct
scientifically valid research to support or deny medical marijuana
claims. Since it is a crime in most US cities to consume cannabis
recreationally, research institutes must forgo valid, double-blind,
scientifically based research studies because they cannot gain access
to control group subjects.

Currently, research scientists in the US are permitted to conduct
cannabis "case studies." In case study research, the scientist
gathers information on individuals who claim cannabis has helped
them. Yes, they have before-and-after evidence which documents
dramatic improvements, and the scientific community does not consider
this type of research as definitive evidence.

Double-blind research studies involving medical marijuana require a
control group. The control group must be able to consume cannabis,
and the researcher must be able to dispense the substance to both the
research group and the control group. Of the thousands of cities all
over the United States, Breckenridge is the only place where valid,
scientific-based research can finally be done because of
legalization/decriminalization of personal use cannabis.

By changing or re-wording the marijuana ordinance as it currently
stands, Breckenridge will be "voting ourselves off the island" and
eliminating any opportunity now or in the future for exclusive,
scientifically based cannabis research studies that our country
needs. How long must we, as citizens of the United States, wait to
receive valid, reliable research studies conducted on our own soil?

Colette Wilson

Breckenridge