The Power of Your Voice
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I was inspired today by an email I received from Dr. Roneet Lev at High Truths, a site dedicated to bringing health professionals together to find ways to prevent drug addiction.
I wrote to Dr. Lev to ask for her advice for opposing the proliferation of cannabis dispensaries here in SF and the fact that the city backs them financially and legally. For a small, not politically-connected group like our own, this can be a daunting, almost David & Goliath-type of task.
This is the advice Dr. Lev gave to me:
Don’t underestimate the power of your voice and activism.
The city of Compton rose up against dispensaries and won!
Perhaps you can make the argument that the cost of these dispensaries is a 4:1 loss - for every tax dollar made, there are 4 dollar spend in healthcare, mental health, crime, and homelessness.
For medical information on harms, view the IASIC1.org medical library.
The first sentence about not underestimating the power of our voice really struck a chord in me. This is a powerful reminder to speak up, both individually and collectively, when we believe in something, and not to be intimidated by other individuals, groups, or organizations, regardless of their size, political strength, economic advantage, etc.
i also found an interesting article on the ambivalence of California's cities to embrace and legalize marijuana across our state, as highlighted by the residents of Compton's vote to ban cannabis dispensaries in their city.
As you can see, the case being made by our city officials and local politicians to popularize, commercialize, and even normalize the widespread sale, distribution, and consumption of cannabis throughout our city is not as clear cut or as beneficial as they make it seem.
Therefore, please do your own research, form your own conclusions, and again, please do not be afraid to speak out on what you feel is right in your heart.
Thank you,
Lefteris Eleftheriou
FOPSWP Volunteer
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