To:
From:
Date:
9 December 2014
and~insectiddes-an~-dange-roos,andsim:e ------
List of Issues:
Below is a list of issues that we have included for your reference; these are
- "Medical" growers are not paying excise taxes on their illegal sales to
dispensaries, which robs the state of tax revenues that 502 growers are
paying.
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at http:J/seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2023759490 pottestingxml.html
- Medical cards are being sold like candy. We need better standards for
issuing medical cards, and real fines for health care providers who give them
'
- 502 growers are producing the low THC, high CBD marijuana requested by
patients. It's tested, clean and high quality.
- ~here is no medical justification for the high THC products like BHO and
Shatter. These are the crack of the marijuana business. At the very least there
should be limits on levels of THC dispensaries can sell. 15% THC, verified by
testing, should be the extreme upper limit.
-Every batch of 502 marijuana is tested for THC and CBD levels which are
then clearly and accurately printed on the package. It is also tested for mold,
fungus, and moisture so it won't mold on the shelf. It is also tested for
pesticides. 502 marijuana is consjstent, well regulated and safe.
kitchens, testing criteria and health standards. This does not exist under the
"medical" model, which can sell food items not produced in sanitary,
regulated conditions. These dispensaries are the only sellers of unregulated
consumer edible items in the state.
-City planning involves deciding where you want what businesses, such as
Mixed Use or Warehouse Residential, etc., but "medical" businesses aren't part
of the conversation. Grow houses are operating in the middle of
neighborhoods in people's garages and basements, retailers are opening next
to each other in developing business districts, and delivery services are
operating out of people's homes and apartments.
-Because the "medical" business isn't licensed and can't bank like 502
businesses can, we are seeing home invasions, dispensary robberies, hold ups
and literally gunshots in the street. This is the sort of crime that results from
unregulated cash businesses. Legalization was done in part to keep this from
happening, and will.
-Further, the "medical" side of the pot business is illegally selling to anyone
and everyone, including minors, people without medical cards, and people
without true medical needs. "Medical" cards are handed out without
regulation. The Seattle Times just did a sting and was able to buy pot
unchecked 66% of the time.
-Many dispensaries are charging sales tax and not paying it to the state,
which is dishonest and illegal, robbing both their customers and local
governments.
-Almost all dispensaries are buying marijuana, which violates the state
medical law that only allows medical patients to donate to dispensaries from
collective gardens.
-There are no standards about who can invest in a medical operation,
allowing organized crime to be involved, unlike 502's rigorous and thorough
background check system.
Please consider these points when deciding to legitimize a very bad business
model or putting your efforts into ensuring that 1-502 is implemented to the
fullest extent. The argument that patients are taking away legitimate
medicine is false, but providing a safe, tested product for those truly in need
.
.
of medicine, while providing a well regulated, tax generating, community
enhancing recreational marketplace, is your responsibility.
Sincerely,
..