PATIENTS NEED SAFE ACCESS

According to police ("Man who was shot had legal marijuana," Sept.
23), a Portland victim was apparently targeted for his medicinal crop
on Sept. 20. The shooting demonstrates medical marijuana patients'
need for safe access through dispensaries.

Currently, patients who can't grow their own (or find a caregiver)
must buy black-market medicine or go without. Security issues compound
the problem.

Measure 33 would allow state-regulated dispensaries to assume the
security burden and supply medicine to qualified patients -- safely
and reliably, at no cost to taxpayers.

Voters' compassion in passing the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act six
years ago has proven well placed. Many who then opposed it now
acknowledge the marijuana act's success, but improvements are still
needed for public safety.

Please support Measure 33.

BRUCE ALEXANDER KNIGHT

Southeast Portland