Patients, outlets are not criminals

Regarding the Saturday article, “Lynnwood medical pot dispensary shut down by police“:

I have been a patient of BZB Medical Group for over a year. I suffer from multiple, documented illnesses, including cancer. I am not blind to the indiscretions that occur at some dispensaries around the state. However, BZB is a law-abiding business. Their sole concern is the welfare of their patients. It is outrageous that the Lynnwood police would use such strong-arm methods to in essence burglarize these giving people.

I spent 20 years as an alcohol and drug Interventionist, dealing with teens and young adults. I have battled the “drug war” with thousands of young people. I know firsthand how troubling it is, and how concerned the public is with the availability of marijuana today. However, BZB is there to service only patients — people who are suffering from debilitating illnesses, who have either exhausted all other medical avenues, or are simply relieved for the first time in their lives by the medicinal values of cannabis.

Never in my adult life did I ever think that I would extol the virtues of cannabis. Nor did I ever think that I would find myself turning to it for pain relief, but after over 30 years of constant daily pain, numerous surgeries and multiple debilitating medications, I am here to tell all that cannabis is the only thing that has made my life bearable.

Please help me, and those like me, fight for the rights of these people. They are not criminals! They should not be treated as such. These are people who follow up with their patients, and treat them like family. These are people who truly care about the well being of those they help.

I implore you, help us to help them.

Erin Elliott
Preston

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