Letters: Safety and the pot industry

Re “Blowing up,” Feb. 6

While it is true that the production of cannabis extracts that involve combustion pose a risk, The Times was correct to point out that “the explosions are a growing side effect of California’s unregulated medical marijuana industry.”

Indeed, the lack of oversight by the state has left localities overburdened, the emerging industry confused and medical cannabis patients in a perpetual state of limbo. California is now trying to put the genie back into the bottle via local bans on cultivating and dispensing marijuana.

Instead, we should establish a state-level medical marijuana program, with clear guidelines on where marijuana and its related products can be cultivated, processed and distributed.

Two legislators recently attempted to fix this problem by creating a state-run program administered through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. It is this type of program that can create a safer environment for all involved with medical marijuana.

Amanda Reiman

Berkeley

The writer is the California policy manager for the Drug Policy Alliance.

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