VISIT COLLECTIVES FIRST

The purpose of this letter is to provide education about what happens
when you visit a medical marijuana dispensary or collective. I have
visited the two major collectives in Santa Cruz, as well as the
establishments mentioned in Tuesday's front page article. FACT: I
have never seen any discarded containers of any kind littering
parking lots or common areas of these establishments. Most of these
establishments are cleaner and have better security than most retail
businesses. FACT: At every visit, in every dispensary, I have left
with all packages stapled closed with specific instructions/reminders
that I am not allowed to consume any medicines in any public areas of
the establishment. FACT: At every visit, I am reminded to be
respectful of the neighborhood that the business is in. My experience
with these businesses has shown that they are conscientiously
monitoring their establishments to ensure harmony with their
neighbors and in their neighborhoods. And lastly, medical marijuana
consumers come from all walks of life and all backgrounds: I am a
middle-aged professional woman who has successfully utilized medical
marijuana for the past two years. Yes, I'm a typical stoner and proud
of it. If you have never been, I encourage you to visit a collective
and see firsthand how they operate.

Lois A. Roth, Felton