DRUG HURTS; VOTERS SHOULD CLOSE SHOPS

Medical marijuana sounds like an oxymoron to me.

Even though under federal law marijuana is illegal, and I believe it
has dangerous consequences for society, Amendment 20 to the Colorado
Constitution was passed by the voters and gives legitimacy to the
business of medical marijuana.

The pro-pot crowd did a good job of selling the idea that there are
some sick people in our state who need this pseudo-medicine to
overcome pain. The truth is that pain can be handled in many ways
that do not induce intoxication.

Local governments have the right to prevent "clinics" in their
jurisdiction, and Fort Collins is the only municipality in our area
that allows these businesses.

City Council was recently presented with an adequate number of
signatures on petitions asking them to ban these operations or allow
the voters to decide (in November) as to the continued existence of
these pot growing distribution centers in Fort Collins.

Acting Fort Collins Police Chief Jerry Schiager (who has expressed
concern about the potential for increased crime in and around these
businesses) told me that recently one of these establishments was
robbed at gunpoint. Then, Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith
described how police and deputies located the suspect's car and two
deputies initiated a "high-risk" stop near Interstate 25 and
Crossroads Boulevard.

A suspect jumped out of the vehicle and was apprehended by a canine
unit as he tried to flee on foot. The only reported injuries were dog
bites to the suspects.

Here is the sick part. In addition to cash and marijuana in the
suspect car, they also found "marijuana edibles" - candy that is
infused with marijuana. Is there any question that these items were
aimed at kids?

Contrary to what we often hear from the bong boosters, marijuana is
addicting and a threat to young people. According to a research
report prepared by Nancy R. Smith, Ph.D., LPC, "Marijuana increases
dopamine, which creates the good feelings or 'high' associated with its use."

That is the same process that addicts the human body to tobacco and
other harmful drugs. Other research shows that marijuana is three
times more addicting than alcohol.

You may have heard that driving under the influence of marijuana is
not a problem. That is a myth. According to Smith, "Overall,
marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug detected in impaired
drivers, fatally injured drivers, and motor vehicle crash victims."

Marijuana is also a gateway drug. The risk of using cocaine is much
greater for youth who have tried marijuana than for those who have
never used it. One frightening statement made by Smith is "Studies
have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased
rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. .
Drug induced psychosis is a reality."

Other major symptoms of marijuana abuse are a loss of memory and
lethargy. Smith cites one study: "...heavy marijuana abusers reported
that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement
including physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, social
life and academic/career status."

In other words, this drug can make bright, capable and promising
young people into real losers.

We can do something positive to help our community. Please vote to
eliminate these marijuana outlets from our town. Our kids deserve it.