Reader: How can med. marijuana dispensaries be risky for kids when I couldn't even get in?

William Breathes's post about the potential for federal crackdowns on dispensaries within 1.000 feet of schools spurred an unusual comment from a reader who's not a medical marijuana patient, but was interested in checking out a dispensary anyhow. Here's what happened -- and why he's puzzled about the supposed risk...

By Michael Roberts

December 15, 2011

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

William Breathes's post about the potential for federal crackdowns on dispensaries within 1.000 feet of schools spurred an unusual comment from a reader who's not a medical marijuana patient, but was interested in checking out a dispensary anyhow. Here's what happened -- and why he's puzzled about the supposed risk to kids from MMCs.

Papabear writes:

I'm not a medical marijuana user. Could some one please explain to me what makes these "dispensaries" unsafe for children? Out of curiosity I tried to enter one once just to see what the fuss was about and was met politely at the front office and asked to leave. I didn't even get to see any Marijuana. There were however cameras everywhere and definitely procedures to follow in order to just see were the 'meds" were sold. I am seriously curious what dangers these places implement to children when there are so many precautions taken to avoid sales to someone who is unlicensed.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Westword has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo