"Do I think marijuana has legitimate medical purposes? Yes I do."

As a naturopath, herbalist, and a stoner, I abhor this argument. You could make a similar case for alcohol: ever used isopropyl alcohol to disinfect a cut?

The fact of the matter is that there are over 300 medicinal plants in the US alone, many of them much better suited to your digestive issues (ever hear of Calendula?) and pain issues. Those who use this platform to purport marijuana as an herbal panacea are usually way off base and don't know the fist thing about real herbal medicine.

Just be a genuine and honest human being and don't be ashamed to say you like to get high because it feels good. When the legislators come calling, there sure are a bunch of supporters for 'herbal medicine', but where are those of you who actually seek out natural remedies for your health issues in my clinic? Few and far between.

Educate yourself, don't just stand on a podium that someone else built. You come off as foolish.

I realize that you, like many in this area, have trouble adjusting your lense beyond your own nose (especially if you've been here for 40 years). Some of us are mountain people, and instead of running to Wal-Mart for our prescription medicine, we collect wild medicinals from the forest. Those of us who actually live on or around W. Ridge behind Gross understand the value and importance of the plant stands around Forsythe Creek and the Reservoir and wildlife that help propagate them.

What's progress? All those city folks having pools while they drink bottled water, or efforts to foster and create relationships with the land based on symbiosis? I'm sure we'll never agree, but I'll hang out with the latter while you posture with the former.