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Dear Editor:

Imagine that most of the people who drink alcohol own and operate their own still, partly because to buy any commercially produced alcohol they had to travel out of the area. Of course, many will just buy a Mason jar of “moonshine” from a neighbor willing to produce extra. Now imagine if just one producer of extra moonshine goofs just once, and produces a toxic product. How many blind people are good for society? There are molds that grow on living marijuana, that can be transferred (while smoking) into and grow in human lungs. California had problems with this as much as 30 years ago. There is evidence that marijuana pulls toxins out of the ground — such that the Superfund cleanup is researching the feasibility of using marijuana to clean up toxic waste sites. Who knows what nasties might arise with thousands of amateurs growing marijuana instead of going to state regulated retail outlets in their communities.

Do you really believe that the negative impact on our community would be less in the above scenario than the impact from liquor stores, wineries, vineyards, breweries, acres of hops, and bars. If not, then why do local authorities believe a moratorium against commercial marijuana is better than state regulated and taxed businesses?

Don’t forget, many who travel long distances will return home “under the influence,” regardless of laws against such behavior.

Let the state make the regulations — they have shown with medical marijuana legislation that state-controlled businesses are less able to be involved in diverting legal marijuana into the black market or into the hands of children. Plus, of course, businesses have financial incentives to obey all the rules. Local authorities should use their powers to limit the size and location of said businesses. Collect taxes and let the citizens legally participate in the Colorado green rush of 2013. The problems of 64 are upon us, we might as well have the chance to benefit from the potential of recreational marijuana.

Don’t be misled by local voting records on Amendment 64. According to conversations I’ve had with pro-marijuana citizens, many — including myself — voted against 64 believing that a better law would be presented in the future if 64 failed.

Bill Bailey

Crawford

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