Written by Ben Rice
Santa Cruz City Schools Superintendent Chris Munroe sent a letter to parents warning of disaster: Cannabis dispensary proposal would bring affordable medication to patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, childhood epilepsy and more Owned in part by a nonprofit organization offering — WAMM (Wo/Men's Alliance) Medical Marijuana/WAMM Plant Therapy) — it will open in the former Emily's Bakery on Mission Street in Laurel.
Both the City Planning Department and the Planning Commission approved the project, but an appeal is now being made to the Santa Cruz City Council, which is expected to vote May 14 to overturn the decision.
The public should be concerned about the misinformation in the letter on two important points:
• 1. The letter claims that the location is “one block from Santa Cruz High School and on established walking routes for school and recess for Santa Cruz High School and Mission Hill students.” Masu. This does not reflect reality. I taught Mock Trial at Santa Cruz High School for four years, and the venue is several blocks from the school, and I know that the overwhelming majority of students cross Mission on Walnut Street. They rarely walk or bike to either school during their missions.
• 2. Opponents of dispensaries are concerned about marijuana abuse by young people. I agree that we must protect our children. However, there is no evidence that young people use pharmacies.
Investigation indicates that a dispensary location that complies with City of Santa ordinances is appropriate. Our city created conservative rules, mapped out approved locations, and the proposed dispensaries are in approved locations.
Government-funded research addressing these concerns can be found at norml.org.
WAMM has been benefiting our community for 30 years. There has been vocal public support from medical experts such as Dr. Ernie Leff and county and city health officials. law enforcement leaders such as former Police Chief Rudy Escalante; They include respected civic leaders such as State Sen. John Laird and the late former Mayor and Supervisor Mardi Wormhout.
WAMM's story made national headlines after a medical marijuana collective was raided by federal agents in 2002. Some of the best lawyers in the United States supported WAMM.
The City and County of Santa Cruz joined the fight against WAMM and the federal government because WAMM helped sick and poor patients. WAMM changed cannabis history when the federal government agreed to allow medical cannabis collectives to comply with local and state laws. Therapeutic cannabis has helped millions of people. For more information, visit wamphytotherapies.org.
Val Corral and her ex-husband Michael founded WAMM 30 years ago. She poured her own savings into meeting all the requirements for this project. If the approval is overturned, WAMM will cease to exist and people in need will be left without a source of medical supplies.
Please let the City of Santa Cruz know by May 14th that you would like to vote yes on WAMM. Please share this with your friends.
Contact: citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com (mailto:citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com) or 831-420-5020.
Ben Rice is a former WAMM attorney who is now retired. He is a resident of Santa Cruz.
