The City of Long Beach must regulate medical marijuana dispensaries rather than enact a ban.
Personally biased city officials would have the Council and public believe that medical marijuana dispensaries cannot be regulated. This is simply not true. While some sections of the original ordinance are not viable, most will be able to withstand scrutiny.
The police chief of Los Angeles reported that the dispensaries attract no more crime than banks. In fact, in 2009 there were about twice as many robberies at banks— so do we close down all of the banks?
The State of Maine has a system that is operating quite well. There are many other cities and states that have regulations that do not present a problem. Fifteen other states and Washington, DC now allow for medical marijuana. Certainly, the City of Long Beach can find a reasonable solution.
More than likely, a ban on dispensaries would only drive patients to the streets and put them at extreme risk buying from drug dealers. The product could be laced with an addictive substance or may be tainted with deadly molds or other pathogens that would be especially devastating to those with immune-compromised illnesses such as AIDS. Who will take responsibility for their untimely deaths?
Forcing them to buy from gang-affiliated dispensers would only fund and enable larger and more powerful cartels. With an already drained police department and a dramatic spike in non-related shootings over the past few months, is empowering gangs/cartels a wise path to follow?
It is imperative that this City Council create a viable alternative to outright banning of medical marijuana dispensaries, not only for the patients that use this medicine now but for all citizens (including yourselves or loved ones) that may one day need it to treat their pain and/or medical condition.
Diana Lejins
Long Beach
