Dear Editor,
First of all, your pot survey presents itself with a negative question. It should simply ask if you think marijuana should be sold in dispensaries in Richmond.
The “near you” part of the question makes it sound threatening.
Who wants any store “near them.” Stores belong in commercial areas, not next door.
I am not surprized that Richmond City Council is against legalization.
We have a large proportion of voters who are resistant to change.
To illustrate this point, just look at how “we” vote provincially and federally.
Marijuana is not a gateway drug any more than alcohol.
In fact, marijuana has many medicinal uses. Other jurisdictions have legalized and life goes on with little change, except that the police can focus on real crime, rather than interfering with people’s harmless personal lives.
It is sad that our “representatives” are in a lather over pot when Richmond is faced with many problems. Pandering to the uptight seems to be more important, at least for re-election.
Legalization will be a positive, not a negative. If adults are allowed to purchase marijuana legally at reasonable prices or grow their own, then the crime element will melt away.
Our streets will be safer, the sky will not fall and the police and city council can then focus on the real problems our city faces.
Roger Bryant
Richmond
