Keeping the city from going to pot

This is not intended to discuss opinions on the legality of medical

marijuana. I do not have a problem with the Newport Beach City

Council decision to put a 45-day moratorium on establishment of

dispensaries that distribute marijuana.

Maybe more time is needed to discuss the number of and locations

of the dispensaries that do the distributing.

However, I do have a problem with our system. If we, the majority,

voted as we did in 1996 to legalize medical marijuana in California,

then why are there various groups and city councils that continuously

try to block its intended use.

My opinion is that the voters of California have already spoken

and yet “Big Brother” and his one-sided political views are

continually trying to reverse the opinions of the majority for their

own personal reasons.

What good is a free democratic vote if the powers that be try to

continually push for their own rules?

RALPH ROLLINS

Costa Mesa

Yes, absolutely ban marijuana shops in Newport Beach. We have

plenty of attractions here, and we don’t need to draw marijuana users

to this city, medical or not.

BETTINA DEININGER

Newport Beach

I agree with the fact that they should study to determine the

shape of regulation, and that it’s OK if we have an eventual

allowance for that.

After all, drug use dates back centuries, when it was used for

pain relief, until recently when it’s been associated with

criminality.

I guess other drugs have colored its use for therapeutic value,

but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value for those who need it,

and it’s much less harmful than so many other drugs that are still

experimental. So, let’s have it, and let’s have it available.

RICHARD CHURCH

Newport Beach