Marijuana: Vote yes on county's Proposition 1

As a first responder, I have witnessed the benefits of medical marijuana and have heard the testimonials of patients who have turned to the product when nothing else worked.

Additionally, as a family member of a multiple sclerosis patient, I have seen firsthand how medical marijuana helps with appetite and calming the nerves. It’s sad that the federal government won’t allow testing of the product to fully determine its uses in medicine.

Whatever stigma is held at the federal level can only be overcome through constant pressure at the citizen level. We have an opportunity here in Pierce County to tell our elected officials that marijuana should be treated like the normal product that it is and not the Schedule 1 product the feds designate it to be.

Under the new state law, the medical dispensaries are going away and being replaced by the state-licensed stores. Some in Pierce County are trying to limit these stores to very restricted numbers and locations.

Voters need to send a clear message again that marijuana should be taxed, regulated and distributed in common commercial areas the same as alcohol.

Please, vote yes on Pierce County Proposition 1.

This story was originally published March 22, 2016 at 10:14 AM with the headline "Marijuana: Vote yes on county's Proposition 1."