Home Growers are NOT the Bad Guys

I have issues with one of the "pros" constantly promoted whenever a ban on dispensaries comes up, and it is this:

"The proposed ban will not ban medical marijuana. Rather it will take purchases out of highly regulated, secured and taxed centers and push them into our neighborhoods. There are already problems associated with growing in residences, including home invasions, fires, and rental proper...ty damage. The lack of monitoring also increases the risk of child access as excess product is easily diverted to the black market. Medical Marijuana Centers are necessary to keep our neighborhoods safer." — Sweet Leaf Pioneer

This argument pits patients and caregivers, growing marijuana legally as provided in the Colorado Constitution, against dispensaries, grow houses and infused products manufacturers, not even mentioned in the original Amendment 20, I might add. Essentially, this arguement tells the public that anyone growing marijuana in their home is a threat to the community.

C'mon people. We in the industry know this isn't true. And we also know that the ability for a person to grow their own herb is key to the legalization of cannabis for medical use that we enjoy. In fact, dispensaries wouldn't even exist if they didn't cling so tightly to the caregiver label in the first place.

Stop confusing the public by disparaging those who choose to grow their own at home. Stop condemming the very patients who come to you to supplement their personal harvest. Just because you're regulated doesn't make you better, it just makes you another option. Stop trying to be the only option!

The rights of patients and caregivers must remain primary!