Pubdate: Fri, 25 Apr 2014
Source: Tampa Bay Times (FL)
Copyright: 2014 St. Petersburg Times
Contact: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/
Website: http://www.tampabay.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419
Note: Named the St. Petersburg Times from 1884-2011.
Author: Faith Alford

NO ISSUES IN COLORADO

Re: Medical marijuana - April20

Since we live in Colorado for part of the year, many of our Florida 
friends have asked about the effects of medical marijuana. My answer 
is that there have been no noticeable effects.

Where we live in Colorado we have two clinics, both listed in the 
phone book and located far from the center of town. There has been no 
increase in the number of clinics, and they haven't become 'magnets 
for crime.' I called the clinics to ask how they operate. I was told 
they require a doctor's prescription that would be sent to the state 
with an application and a check. After being reviewed, an 
authorization card may be issued. Clinics require a card and an ID to 
even enter and record each visit.

The people at the clinics did say that most doctors are not willing 
to write a script because marijuana is new to the medical community 
and there is an absence of dosing information. I guess it is not easy 
to step into unfamiliar territory. However, many patients have died 
from pain medication currently dispensed; I have never read of anyone 
dying from marijuana.

The town paper prints a daily police blotter. We have never seen any 
crime involving marijuana although there are many involving alcohol. 
We read about the many people whose health conditions could be helped 
by legalizing marijuana. It seems unfair to deny them the help they 
need. Those who warn against the current proposal in Florida seem to 
be confusing recreational use with medical use.

Faith Alford, St. Pete Beach
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom