VIEWS ON CANNABIS AT LOCAL MEETING WERE 'ONE-SIDED'

To the editor,

(Re: Recent results of the Cannabis Senate Report.)

The results have been bothering me a great deal since they came out and I
have been frustrated thinking that readers and listeners might think this
report is valuable and informative.

I am a mother of two teenagers and have many thoughts about the drug
cannabis (marijuana), its use and its place in society. I felt, when I
received by special invitation to the recent "Senate road show," that I
should attend and listen to views and perhaps voice my opinions on the topic.

When I arrived at the Senate meeting, it became clear to me very quickly
that it was a very one-sided view the Senate was hearing. The audience was
mostly filled with people that supported the use of cannabis. I was lucky
enough to receive an invitation. How were the other members of my community
invited?

My deep concern is in the fact that if the Senate believes it heard from my
community on the topic, it is very sadly mistaken and that if it is basing
the outcomes on the feedback collected - at least in this community - then
it is wrong and, in my opinion, invalid.

I felt quite strongly about this at the time of the meeting and mentioned
my concerns to one of the organizers. She, in turn, told me the meeting had
been put together very quickly and there wasn't enough time to really
advertise the meeting, etc. I walked out of the meeting very frustrated but
thought there may be other opportunities for my community to talk about
this before the Senate gave its opinions. Given the most recent headlines
and articles in the media, it is clear there will be no other opportunities.

I think this topic is extremely important and deserves some real
conversations, more than one thrown together at the last minute.
Conversations that involve lots of opinions from lots of people in our
community.

Donna Sargent, Richmond school trustee