Our legislators are calling for a shutdown of dispensaries within 1000 feet of a church – a new law to close many existing, Compassion Clubs. There are not as many dispensaries as churches, but many of them fall within the limits of the new law. It is a law of discrimination. Our constitution states that all people are created equal, and deserving of respect. Seventy percent of, Michigan voters, voted for our, Medical Marijuana law, to give patients the right to choose it as an option, or in conjunction with medicines they take. It is against, Federal Law, to use or sell marijuana – so the State cannot sell it—and the FDA cannot classify it as a drug.
Marijuana is the only plant that can grow wild and legally be used in its natural form, for licensed people. It is not a drug and cannot be purchased in drug stores. The only way to obtain it is through dispensaries. Marijuana is not sold, but, has to be given away. Some people charge for their services. Most people are users who share. Many users are retired and living on fixed income, while other users are discriminated and refused employment. Some users are leading productive lives. Many people would like to use it for assuaging chronic pain, but they cannot, because employers will fire them.
Marijuana dispensaries are not eyesores. Most of them are located on commercial strips along with other businesses. If you think of how many buildings can fit into nine football fields, that is the area covered by the new law – add entire cities to that law along with counties -- the new law makes, Medical Marijuana, illegal; even though we voted for it.
People who use marijuana are usually nonviolent, unless they are addicts who are abusing other drugs as well. Drug addicts will abuse any drugs, as well as household items and wild roots. Their addictions are an illness. No amount of laws are going to stop them, as, they are addicts. But, Medical Marijuana, might help them to stop using other substances that harm their health.
Most people who worship at dispensaries are passive, calm, polite and courteous.
Encarta Dictionary, has churches defined as, a building for public worship. Under that definition, any building can be a church, if there is public worship. Churches can be tax exempt. There are many advantages to becoming a church. Followers can worship without harassment. It is a part of our bill of rights. Churches can be anywhere. Anybody can have a church, so long as people worship there. It is OK to be in public. Churches can be right next to each other, without interfering with each other. Sometimes, they even get together.
Our dispensaries are covered under, Freedom of Religion; if they choose to become churches, and thus be in compliance. Every dispensary can erect a sign that reads: Church of Freedom, Growth, and Tolerance. Our people can be free to worship, as they will.
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