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To the Editor: I was a volunteer for the medical marijuana act when it passed in 1998, and although successful, it did not create a supply of medicine. Some patients need medicine immediately or can't grow a garden. M33 amends the original act to improve access to medicine by creating state-regulated dispensaries that act like pharmacies to sell safe medicine in a safe environment rather than forcing patients underground. M33 is not legalization. Only patients who are qualified by licensed health care providers can register, while sales to persons not registered remains a felony. M 33 dispensaries are funded by patient and dispensary fees paid to the Department of Human Services and will not cost taxpayers money. In fact, the program currently has a cash balance over one million dollars. The new limits of one pound for most patients and six if registered for only one annual outdoor harvest are what patients need. The federal government still provides six or more pounds each year to select patients under the “Investigational New Drug Program" for marijuana but this was closed to new patients over ten years ago. Don’t let the war on medical marijuana interfere with choice in medical care. Vote Yes on 33. Yours,
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