It seems the Santa Barbara City Council members want a ban on dispensaries but are afraid to vote for one, choosing instead to spend huge public money to put a ban measure on the ballot [News, “Sending Mixed Messages,” 7/1/10]. So if there is a ban, the voters themselves will be responsible.
The council is trying to cozy up to the vocal groups working hard to maintain marijuana prohibition. And it is understandable that certain interest groups, including but not limited to law enforcement, are anti-pot, since keeping it criminalized facilitates their livelihoods. But instead of making it difficult to access legally, enlightened politicians will try to figure ways that marijuana users can access their product without involving organized crime, street gangs, or drug cartels.—J.B. Stetson, S.B.