I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet some of the helpful and constructive members of our community at the hearing today.

I am very excited at the initial turnout--even if it noticeably cleared by the lunch hour.

It was remarkable to hear the varied responses from the diverse community of patients, especially the two older nurses who spoke quite eloquently. Also, I believe that one important mark of progress for the entire MMJ program was that every opponent to a compassion center had to predicate their antipathy with a stipulation: "I am not against the medicinal value of marijuana...but..." Except for the grossly misinformed woman (about supposed dangers of 2nd hand smoke), the arguments against were mostly political/zoning--NIMBY-- and for self-interest. As a community, we must respond as the arguments against our needs evolve.

On the way home from work, I heard JoAnne (from RIPAC) say on the evening news hour that few escape becoming a patient of some kind in their life. This extremely important point, that anybody or someone they love, could become in need of these centers--legitimate and patient-centric--was potent and eloquent. Also, a great sound-byte to get the "last word" for the evening commute. Publicly, this was a large step in the right direction.

Realistically, I got the impression that Thomas Slater and Greenleaf have the best political shots at getting approved. Patient and community support, with no anti-arugments that I heard (I had to leave for the second half, though) make these good bets. If any.

Keep up the active activism, Chromies.
:jointsmile: