POT DISPENSARIES CAN BE WIN-WIN

Unmentioned in your story on medical marijuana ("Profitable
pot(http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110320_profitable_pot.html),"
Star-Advertiser, March 20) was the potential economic benefit to Hawaii.

While it's hard to predict revenues, we can look at other states'
experience.

Colorado, the model for the dispensary bill still in play (Senate Bill
1458), made $2.2 million in 2010 from sales taxes. They allocate a
percentage of this to substance abuse screening, referrals and treatment.

Hawaii's medical marijuana law has been in effect for more than a
decade without changes. The more than 8,000 registered patients tell
us that safe and legal access to their medicine is their most pressing
concern. Medical cannabis dispensaries would address this need while
providing a significant revenue stream for the state and counties.

It's a win-win.

Pamela G. Lichty

President, Drug Policy Forum of Hawai'i