In response to the editorial, “City Council took a safe route, but not the best one,” page A4, June 20 Herald.
I wish to thank the Poulsbo City Council for standing up to political and media pressure and looking out for our citizenry and youth. This rush to promote more access to pot in this part of the county is nothing new; the people promoting it, unfortunately, are.
I was surprised to see NorthKitsapHerald.com link to a video which, in documentary form, attempted to portray the council’s viewpoint as baseless. Many citizens agree with the council.
Standing up for rights is not a selective process. The video portrayed alcohol throughout in edited sections. Why would anyone use alcohol as something worthy to copy? Our policy with one legal intoxicant has caused more death and destruction of property then all illegal drugs combined. Wanting a policy like that of alcohol is lacking basic understanding of this issue. Also, we send approximately $10 in costs for alcohol-related problems with every dollar collected in taxes.
Big money-maker marijuana paying for our children’s education is not true and actually insulting.
Marijuana legalization poses too many risks to public health and public safety to promote a policy without pause and discernment of consequences. In Colorado, they have seen an increase in THC workplace test results, at least two deaths linked to pot, and an increase in parents calling poison control because of child-digested marijuana products.
Cannabis food and candy is being marketed to children and are already responsible for a growing number of marijuana-related ER visits. Edibles with names such as “Ring Pots,” “Pot Tarts,” and “Kif Kat Bars” are inspired by common children candy and dessert products.
While the marijuana plant has known medical value, that does not mean smoked or ingested whole marijuana is medicine. This position is in line with the American Medical Association, American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Glaucoma Foundation, National MS Society, and American Cancer Society.
Perhaps moving slow is just the right ticket for an informed council to take.
Mick Sheldon
Kingston
