109 replies to this topic

[zapatosunidos]

This May 25, we will assemble again on the steps of the Capitol to stop political encroachments on our fledgling medical marijuana law.

In the past, our speakers have been assembled from the pro-marijuana groups that did the work to get the law passed. Some of these speakers have been patients, some not. Some have projected a positive medical cannabis image, some not.

The time has come to shed light on the real story of Michigan's medical cannabis patients and caregivers. That legion that works away quietly making their own medicine and medicine for others, learning and teaching, and healing each other. I and many others know that these quiet participants make up the largest part of the program, and we want the Legislators and those special interests that would gut and commercialize our program to understand that is not what we intended, and we will stand up for all the rights we have obtained for ourselves.

I believe our forum participants are in a unique position to observe this real story. We participate at a deep level in the MMMP, each of us making ourselves available to dozens, perhaps hundreds of people in the state. We see the quiet successes of this program first hand. What we deal with day-to-day will never end up in the newspaper unless we put it there in a rally speech.

Green Thumb has donated a 1000w ballast/hood/lamp setup to us, and I think a speech contest is a great use. There are lots of amazing writers on this site, with positive personal experiences galore. The best speech in this thread wins the lighting setup, but we all win when our rally speeches inspire confidence in our law and our patients and caregivers!

Let Michigan know how amazing this program has been for you and those around you!

[bobandtorey]

zapatosunidos, on 14 February 2011 - 09:36 AM, said:

This May 25, we will assemble again on the steps of the Capitol to stop political encroachments on our fledgling medical marijuana law.

In the past, our speakers have been assembled from the pro-marijuana groups that did the work to get the law passed. Some of these speakers have been patients, some not. Some have projected a positive medical cannabis image, some not.

The time has come to shed light on the real story of Michigan's medical cannabis patients and caregivers. That legion that works away quietly making their own medicine and medicine for others, learning and teaching, and healing each other. I and many others know that these quiet participants make up the largest part of the program, and we want the Legislators and those special interests that would gut and commercialize our program to understand that is not what we intended, and we will stand up for all the rights we have obtained for ourselves.

I believe our forum participants are in a unique position to observe this real story. We participate at a deep level in the MMMP, each of us making ourselves available to dozens, perhaps hundreds of people in the state. We see the quiet successes of this program first hand. What we deal with day-to-day will never end up in the newspaper unless we put it there in a rally speech.

Green Thumb has donated a 1000w ballast/hood/lamp setup to us, and I think a speech contest is a great use. There are lots of amazing writers on this site, with positive personal experiences galore. The best speech in this thread wins the lighting setup, but we all win when our rally speeches inspire confidence in our law and our patients and caregivers!

Let Michigan know how amazing this program has been for you and those around you!

[Grow Thread]

kudos to you and greenthumb for making this happen!!

[bobandtorey]

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

[zapatosunidos]

Hmmm, so far Bob is in the lead with a mouldy oldie. Is everyone going to let him run away with this contest?

[blueberry]

Be patient brother. They're burning the midnight oil. Who wouldn't for that kind of prize? Heck, I may have to put together a classic blueberry, "We got them where we want them", speech! Thanks,BB

[Silverblue]

I don't care if I win or not, I just like writing, so I'll put my 2 cents worth into it just for fun. If it's no good for a speech, it's a good summary of how our law is supposed to work, and why it shouldn't be changed. Not everyone knows it the way we do,. Perhaps this could be printed and handed out.

The intent of the voters in 2008 was to assure that medical marijuana shall be legal for those who qualify. The authors of this law designed an ingenious system for how patients shall acquire their medicine. With its main emphasis on the patients needs, the law provides a legal means to gain access to this herb, through a caregiver system. A caregiver has the right to grow and provide a specific amount for up to 5 patients. A patient can also be their own caregiver if able to handle the expense and dedication needed to care for the plants. No sales of marijuana are allowed- payment is only for compensate for services.

When we voted for this law, we never imagined the turn of events that have drawn the unintended consequences that have caused many politicians, city councils, and law enforcement, to seek drastic measure that threaten the very fabric of our law. We did not foresee the existence of marijuana businesses, known as dispensaries. If these businesses were intended, they would've been mentioned, carefully defined and regulated. Another unintended side effect of the law is the forming of Compassion Clubs- an informational, educational support group for patients and caregivers to learn about the law, their options, growing, filling out paperwork, and to socialize in a friendly, safe environment. Many clubs have open meetings for the general public, invite speakers such as lawyers, to explain the law and answer questions. These clubs were not created as distribution centers, though some have taken on that role too. Our law is all about Compassion for patients, many of whom are very sick, poor and have nowhere to turn to for help in these matters. Their main concern is managing their pain and functioning as best they can.

Because of the unforeseen events and activities, legislators want to take control or our law through a bill, SB 17, which may take away many of the rights, protections, and provisions it gave us. The right to assemble at Compassion Cubs is their main priority, because they fear someone will be taking their medicine on site, then driving home. Impaired driving is caused by much more dangerous things than marijuana; alcohol being the #1 cause of injury and death, yet people assemble to consume it, then drive. Because it's marijuana, our community is being targeted. Our government is not happy with this law of The People. Our attorney General has vowed to do all in his power to take it away.

While we do our best to abide by the law, Senator Rick Jones and a handful of special interest groups are trying to bring dispensaries into the fold, which may remove the caregiver system, and our right to grow for ourselves, as well as our choice of where we acquire from. Most of these businesses are owned by residents outside our state, who are flooding MI with their marijuana, which may not be quality grade, thus forcing local caregivers out of work. The high cost of running a business is passed on to the patient, who may be unable to afford it. Many caregivers offer a set amount of medicine each month for those unable to pay; asking nothing for their services. Many patients are terminally ill, and unable to travel. Caregivers often deliver, and spend time with their patients. Most also help with paperwork and may pay for at least half of of the application fee.

For those who can get out, a Compassion Club may be their only means of socializing. Due to extreme pain, many cannot function without it their medicine, but once they know how it affects them, can function normally, as people do with any other medication. Medical marijuana patients see an improvement in their quality of life; their dependence on powwerful opiates and narcotics decreases, healthcare costs go down, emergency room visits decline, friends and family see the change also. Most patients are responsible people who work, teach, learn, pay taxes, buy goods and services, raise families, and abide by the law. Now disabled and unable to work, they need a safe place to go to be with like-minded people.

Rick Jones wants to end all that and take away the one thing that keeps us from feeling useless, alone, and depressed. Partnering with these dispensaries and collectives, amending our law to include them, will undo the Will of the 63% majority of people who voted for this law. Many voters do not use marijuana or grow it for patients, but voted out of Compassion. Likely they know someone who's life has improved because of this wonderful, healing Cannabis plant. The legislators and partners of SB 17 do not have our share our concerns. Gradually our law is being chipped away into an unrecognizable form that may lead to state-run dispensaries, no caregivers, no growing rights, high priced, poor quality medicine.

The losers will be the patients, who have suffered enough. Medical marijuana was given to us to improve our lives, not destroy them.

Please contact your representatives and tell them to say no to SB 17. Our community is counting on you, you helped give us this law, now we need your support to help us keep it.

Sincerely, Sb

[zapatosunidos]

Fantastic speech! More of this is exactly what we need. You have encapsulated the graceful beauty of this program and gently pointed out a few of the pitfalls while also explaining the special need for Compassion Clubs, both those that simply educate and those that have taken the time and effort in their community to offer patients and their caregivers a safe place to responsibly congregate and socialize.

Thanks for taking the time to write this. Sorry, Bob, I think you lost your lead. Thank goodness we didn't have to dig up Lincoln for the rally!

Thanks everyone for your effort and thought in this. Take your time.

[blueberry]

Folks, Post some of your letters. They are beautiful. That's why this site is number 1. People love to read what you write! Thanks, Bb

[washtenaut]

Are these speeches intended to be spoken by the speech writer on May 25th??

[bobandtorey]

washtenaut, on 15 February 2011 - 09:22 AM, said:

Are these speeches intended to be spoken by the speech writer on May 25th??

not mine LOL

[mizerman]

I vote for Silverblue!

I envision hearing her read her speech on the steps of the Capitol. Then, a thunderous applause...to be heard from miles around!

I vote for Silverblue!


Mizerman

[mizerman]

This article might seem somewhat familiar to a lot of you. Since this article was published, I have been able to obtain cannabis for mine and my wife's medical conditions - but, not at a price that is affordable to us. I don't want to argue with Silverblue (or anyone else) as I respect Silverblue far too much to get into a "war of words" with her.

I just wish that this program was far more geared towards the patients...

I'm not into picking sides between dispensaries, compassion clubs, or the current patient/caregiver model. I simply feel deep down that there has to be a better way for patients to be able to acquire AND afford their medication of choice.

Note: I think that's almost like what Frank Costanza was saying about Christmas when he started celebrating "FESTIVUS". We need a "Festivus for the rest of us"! LMAO!

Have fun reading,

Mizerman



"My Experience With Bogus Caregivers”

Like all of you reading this, I was ecstatic when medical marijuana was voted into law back in November 2008. So, I started searching the internet to find out what I had to do to become a patient. I knew I would qualify as I am “totally and permanently disabled” as defined by the Social Security Administration. I am currently fused between c-4 and c-7 with damage above and below the fusion site and could have more surgery - no thanks. I just wanted to be able to manage the pain with cannabis vs. the myriad assortment of pain pills and other therapies my doctor happily prescribes...(Percocet, Lyrica, Mobic, Flexeril, Elavil, epidural injections, physical therapy, even morphine patches and morphine lollipops)

All of those medications and procedures don’t deal with the pain as well as certain strains of cannabis. Plus, the pills have torn my stomach up to the point that I simply don’t want to take them any longer. And the injections and physical therapy can often cause me more pain!

So, I found the website of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association and met a very kind soul (who is now the leader of a Compassion Club). He introduced me to different strains. But, he could not be my caregiver due to our law not allowing someone to be a caregiver who might have only gotten in trouble for smoking a joint in public thirty years ago! That is just nuts!

Well, he introduced me to someone in the club to be my caregiver. It was about a 45 minute drive from where we lived at the time. He wouldn’t bring medication to the meeting. And, all I ever got from him was stems, leaves, and very little product. So, what was the point of going? He talked a good game and said he would deliver or meet me but that never materialized. Plus, it just wouldn’t have been someone I would have been friends with in the first place. That affected my relationship with the leader of that Compassion Club and that group as a whole. (Keep in mind, I am disabled and some days it is hard for me to even leave the house.)

So, back to square one. I have my card and I need a new caregiver.

I then saw a thread on the MMMA website about a group down in Detroit who was promising a free ounce every week if I signed up with them. So, I did. Well, that turned out to be the biggest scam on the planet and I never received anything close to what they were offering and nothing was ever free. I fault myself for being so gullible and naive to believe what they were saying. But, by some how surviving on only Social Security Disability benefits (and with my wife also being disabled) I WANTED to believe what they were saying.

So, back to square one...again.

I met another couple through the MMMA website who “seemed” to be stable and sane. I went to their home. They showed me their plants and it looked like they knew what they were doing. The first few months it seemed to be a good relationship. We agreed on a price of $150 an ounce. I was able to try Lemon Skunk, Canna Sutra, Blueberry, White Widow, Strawberry Cough, and a few others.

My wife even became a patient as when she tried the various strains through a vaporizer it alleviated her pain substantially (as she is also disabled and being prescribed quite a variety of narcotics) - with cannabis she and I both were almost to the point of being able to quit taking all of our pills. So, she signed up with the husband as well.

So, our official caregiver was the husband - but, he seemed to never want to be involved in the process. So, we had to deal with his wife all the time.

As time went on, the “stories” started to change as when things would be ready and available. She mentioned they could get much more for their product by simply make a phone call and unloading all of it for $250-300 per ounce. I didn’t doubt that, but that’s all we could afford. So, things remained okay for a while.

Then, things took a turn for the worse. I found out she was selling the strains that were “our plants” at the now closed dispensary.. (Note: I think all patients should be allowed to get the cannabis from any source. But, when a caregiver is selling product that is supposed to go to their patents that truly p-i-s-s-e-s me off!)

Then, she told me that they didn’t have anything for us and that if they sold any more to us then the husband wouldn’t have anything - and he is NOT even a patient himself.

So, that relationship was terminated. For many weeks I thought about trying to turn them in to try and get them in trouble with the law, but every time I thought about picking up the phone I kept coming back to the realization that IF they were arrested it would be bad for everyone who is a patient or a caregiver. Karma is a b-i-t-c-h and I certainly hope that some day they get theirs...

Now, back to square one...again!

The dispenary was open in Waterford. YEAH! Bill & Candi from Herbal Remedies are our dear friends and we felt comfortable dealing with them and they treated us like family. They gave us big discounts for our cannabis as they knew we live on a VERY fixed income. If we have the money, that is the way we would much prefer to obtain our cannabis - but, now that they are closed after the Gestapo/Nazi raids we are left without a source to obtain our cannabis and are back to taking all the damned harmful narcotics and opiate-based medications all happily prescribed by our pain management physician.

Note: We are not rich. We both have MediCare prescription drug benefits and our co-pays on our medicines range from $8 to $42. So, switching to cannabis with people that want to charge us the going rate of $300 per ounce (or higher) is simply not an option. Plus, we can’t grow as we live in an apartment and can’t risk being evicted!

So, at the time of writing this I am extremely disenchanted with the entire program. This program is anything but patient friendly. And it is totally slanted towards the rights of the caregiver (the one growing the plants).

********************************************************************************

Again, this has just been our experience(s). I think it was just not a good fit with any of the caregivers we signed up with. Most of you have varying degrees of medical problems. How long did it take you until you found the right doctor? I simply want our law to be more patient friendly...that's it. No agenda from me whatsoever. None.

[Silverblue]

I appreciate the compliments and vote. It took me an hour to write that and when I got offline I thought I'd like to rewrite it a bit, but then I thought oh well it's too late now. If I win I will give the prize to someone here who can use it, if I accepted it, the thing would sit here doing nothing.

Mizerman I understand what you're saying. I know there should be some way for patients to be assured their caregiver is honest; I also know there may need to be something like a dispensary. What upsets me the most is the way they're going about it. I see the need, I can't deny it; it's their method I take issue with. <disclaimer: I'm speaking of the bad ones, not the one your friends had and similar, where the owners truly cared for the patients> If they hadn't jumped right into it, hadn't pushed the issue, hadn't betrayed us, if they hadn't secretly sided with a cold-hearted senator who will chew them up and spit them out when he no longer has a use for them, if the outsiders hadn't come barreling in with their out-of-state stuff, IF, instead of seeing dollar signs, they truly were compassionate, respectful and considerate of their patients, didn't overcharge, this includes unscrupulous cg's, too, who treat us like we have money to spare; IF ONLY they had gone about this differently, I'd be all for dispensaries, AS LONG AS we keep our right to grow, and choose our own caregiver. As long as the caregiver system isn't replaced, as long as the disp.s aren't state run, then I would gladly endorse them.

There's line from an old song that sums up all my feelings: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to Love, and be loved in return."

Sincerely, Sb (I'm not a speechwriter, but I play one on the 3MA) 'lol!'

Edited by Silverblue, 15 February 2011 - 05:18 PM.

[trix]

Great Job SB

Mizerman, I read that story a few days ago it was published in a paper I got from the Birmingham CC meeting I believe, it was a great read.
Thank you and the wife for sharing, I know a lot of patients can relate.

I wouldn't know where to start on a speech, although I know if I sat down I could come up with something positive that shows the strength of this community,but There is no way I could actually give a speech though.... I know I could really use that setup though, cause once courts done I will go at it again I hope. So I may just suck it up and think of something!

Good Job both of you, & Bob, Lol

Trix

Edited by trix, 15 February 2011 - 08:31 PM.

[bobandtorey]

Silverblue, on 15 February 2011 - 04:57 PM, said:

I appreciate the compliments and vote. It took me an hour to write that and when I got offline I thought I'd like to rewrite it a bit, but then I thought oh well it's too late now. If I win I will give the prize to someone here who can use it, if I accepted it, the thing would sit here doing nothing.

Mizerman I understand what you're saying. I know there should be some way for patients to be assured their caregiver is honest; I also know there may need to be something like a dispensary. What upsets me the most is the way they're going about it. I see the need, I can't deny it; it's their method I take issue with. <disclaimer: I'm speaking of the bad ones, not the one your friends had and similar, where the owners truly cared for the patients> If they hadn't jumped right into it, hadn't pushed the issue, hadn't betrayed us, if they hadn't secretly sided with a cold-hearted senator who will chew them up and spit them out when he no longer has a use for them, if the outsiders hadn't come barreling in with their out-of-state stuff, IF, instead of seeing dollar signs, they truly were compassionate, respectful and considerate of their patients, didn't overcharge, this includes unscrupulous cg's, too, who treat us like we have money to spare; IF ONLY they had gone about this differently, I'd be all for dispensaries, AS LONG AS we keep our right to grow, and choose our own caregiver. As long as the caregiver system isn't replaced, as long as the disp.s aren't state run, then I would gladly endorse them.

There's line from an old song that sums up all my feelings: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to Love, and be loved in return."

Sincerely, Sb (I'm not a speechwriter, but I play one on the 3MA) 'lol!'

sure you are in my book

[JuztBudz]

There comes a time in every person's life when they tire of living in fear. The MichMedMarijuana Act was passed, in essence, to allay those fears for many of us. It is a shame that those of us who were growing our own medicine before the law live in greater fear now than we did prior to the passing of this law. The people of Michigan never imagined what life would be like under the law, but they saw a need and compassionately gave us permission to find a healthier way to manage our pain and ills. This was not out of pity, it was truely an act of compassion on their part. Many were tired of government that tries, all to often, to control every aspect of our lives. Others saw that patients needed the protection that this law was designed to give us. Still others simply had had enough of seeing their brothers and sisters thrown into a jail cell over something as innocent as an herbal plant. And so they, multitudes of them, saw fit to say "alright then, let's correct this injustice immediately".

I have been a cannabis user for 43 years and during most of those years I was physically able to support my family, raising two beautiful children. I worked hard at my chosen profession, continued my education, payed my taxes and, for all but my cannabis use, was a law abiding citizen. I went into service for my country and saw action in Southeast Asia. I saw the cannnabis laws for the sham that they were, and truely believed that no one should obey an unjust law. I continuously taught those around me that cannabis is not one of the evils of the world, instead showing them that one can contribute to the world around them and remain a cannabis advocate throughout.

I tried to convince the powers that be, i.e. my representatives in both Washington and Lansing, that this plant is not what the governmental forces stated it to be. I attempted to show them the lies and total misinformation that was readily spewed by those who stood against legalization. I feel that in doing so, I was trying to make my country stronger. In return, I found that my letters to Washington were read by aides and never shown to the addressees. I was sent the standard form letters, with a stamped signature and the same drivel each and every time that I wrote. This showed me that no one in a position of power really cared to hear from the common man, no one was concerned with what we had to say. Unless you can contribute large amounts of money to their bid to be re-elected, ones voice will echo thru empty halls and minds.

That turned me into a radical, forced me to break the unjust law and say to hell with trying to persuade them. And so, when contacted about trying a new tactic, a "peoples initiative", then I jumped right on board that train and started working toward changing what the government didn't want changed. It was through the efforts of many souls that the MMMAct came to be a reality and I am proud to have stood with them in this "War against some of the People of the United States".

Now, efforts are rising that would change the breadth and scope of the law. Many law makers in Michigan would attempt to see our law further weakened and would love to see our new found rights be nullified. They use the same words and arguements that they used for decades, but recent polls show that the people of Michigan will have nothing to do with the naysayers and that support for our law is still strong amoung the populace. I truely believe that those who continue to attempt to change this law are going to find their political lives drastically shortened, much to their chagrin. The people of Michigan have spoken, in a VERY LOUD VOICE, and the politicians be damned! I thank the people of Michigan for their continued support and hope and pray that the politico's will finally hear what they are saying.

Let's use todays gathering as an opportunity to bring all of our forces, in unison, to bear against this type of governmental tyranny. We can change peoples hearts and minds, we have proven that by getting this law passed in '08, now we must simply make our voices heard, let the people of Michigan know that there are policies being written that would nullify their vote, nullify their voices. I am sure that the people of Michigan are not going to stand for that happening right under their noses. They will throw the bums out, as they have done so many times before.

[blueberry]

JuztBudz, on 15 February 2011 - 06:46 PM, said:

There comes a time in every person's life when they tire of living in fear. The MichMedMarijuana Act was passed, in essence, to allay those fears for many of us. It is a shame that those of us who were growing our own medicine before the law live in greater fear now than we did prior to the passing of this law. The people of Michigan never imagined what life would be like under the law, but they saw a need and compassionately gave us permission to find a healthier way to manage our pain and ills. This was not out of pity, it was truely an act of compassion on their part. Many were tired of government that tries, all to often, to control every aspect of our lives. Others saw that patients needed the protection that this law was designed to give us. Still others simply had had enough of seeing their brothers and sisters thrown into a jail cell over something as innocent as an herbal plant. And so they, multitudes of them, saw fit to say "alright then, let's correct this injustice immediately".

I have been a cannabis user for 43 years and during most of those years I was physically able to support my family, raising two beautiful children. I worked hard at my chosen profession, continued my education, payed my taxes and, for all but my cannabis use, was a law abiding citizen. I went into service for my country and saw action in Southeast Asia. I saw the cannnabis laws for the sham that they were, and truely believed that no one should obey an unjust law. I continuously taught those around me that cannabis is not one of the evils of the world, instead showing them that one can contribute to the world around them and remain a cannabis advocate throughout.

I tried to convince the powers that be, i.e. my representatives in both Washington and Lansing, that this plant is not what the governmental forces stated it to be. I attempted to show them the lies and total misinformation that was readily spewed by those who stood against legalization. I feel that in doing so, I was trying to make my country stronger. In return, I found that my letters to Washington were read by aides and never shown to the addressees. I was sent the standard form letters, with a stamped signature and the same drivel each and every time that I wrote. This showed me that no one in a position of power really cared to hear from the common man, no one was concerned with what we had to say. Unless you can contribute large amounts of money to their bid to be re-elected, ones voice will echo thru empty halls and minds.

That turned me into a radical, forced me to break the unjust law and say to hell with trying to persuade them. And so, when contacted about trying a new tactic, a "peoples initiative", then I jumped right on board that train and started working toward changing what the government didn't want changed. It was through the efforts of many souls that the MMMAct came to be a reality and I am proud to have stood with them in this "War against some of the People of the United States".

Now, efforts are rising that would change the breadth and scope of the law. Many law makers in Michigan would attempt to see our law further weakened and would love to see our new found rights be nullified. They use the same words and arguements that they used for decades, but recent polls show that the people of Michigan will have nothing to do with the naysayers and that support for our law is still strong amoung the populace. I truely believe that those who continue to attempt to change this law are going to find their political lives drastically shortened, much to their chagrin. The people of Michigan have spoken, in a VERY LOUD VOICE, and the politicians be damned! I thank the people of Michigan for their continued support and hope and pray that the politico's will finally hear what they are saying.

Let's use todays gathering as an opportunity to bring all of our forces, in unison, to bear against this type of governmental tyranny. We can change peoples hearts and minds, we have proven that by getting this law passed in '08, now we must simply make our voices heard, let the people of Michigan know that there are policies being written that would nullify their vote, nullify their voices. I am sure that the people of Michigan are not going to stand for that happening right under their noses. They will throw the bums out, as they have done so many times before.

Amen Brother Amen! I look forward to you delivering this speech in Lansing. Great Speech! Thanks, Joe

[Silverblue]

Jb good speech! It gives me an idea for a flyer. If I can work it out I'll gladly share it.

Sb

[420Atheist]

As I look out over the crowd of people here today I feel a sense of community that few other rallies can claim to have. Some of you are here because you seek to continue your medical treatment unhindered by government intervention. Some of you are here because you have seen the benefits medical marijuana has bestowed to a loved one. And still some of you are here because you believe that government has no place in Intervening between a citizen and his doctors chosen medical treatment. In the end we are all here as citizens of the great state of Michigan seeking to keep intact our states Constitution and the rights it has provided.

Since our medical marijuana law was passed in 2008 there has been no demonstrative evidence presented that warrants any changes to that voter passed initiative. What arrogance is in the hearts of our elected officials that they believe they know more than the majority of voters in our great state?

The arguments for change are weak. There is no evidence that a house with a medical grow is at any more risk of fire than any other house. In my home town of Battle Creek there were 4 arrest for driving while under the influence of marijuana in the first 18 months that the law was in effect. In contrast there were 100s of arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Clearly medical marijuana is not as high a risk as that of the local watering hole. It has yet to be demonstrated how medical marijuana is any more dangerous when it comes to pesticides than any other farmer offering produce in their front yard or at the local farmers market.

Lastly the most contemptible argument clearly shows the arrogance of our elected officials. They say that people were duped into voting for this law and now they claim a majority of people do not support this law. There are lies and there are damnable lies and this is the latter. A recent poll of likely voters shows that a whopping 60% of the people would vote for the law again. So don't you be duped by these elected officials who because of personal prejudice wish to deceive their constituents into believing otherwise.

Today we will not let the greed and arrogance of a few elected officials drown out the cries of pain and suffering of the patients in our community. Let your voices ring loud and clear. Patients first!