Reader: The Medical Marijuana System is Bullsh*t -- But It Was Necessary

In a recent post, William Breathes speculated that as many as 19,000 patients may have dropped off the state medical marijuana registry from January to July of this year. This figure was analyzed, critiqued and debated by our readers, with this one suggesting that the registry concept may be outdated...

By Michael Roberts

September 29, 2014

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In a recent post, William Breathes speculated that as many as 19,000 patients may have dropped off the state medical marijuana registry from January to July of this year. This figure was analyzed, critiqued and debated by our readers, with this one suggesting that the registry concept may be outdated.

John Wolfe writes:

The honest answer here is that lots of people bought red cards, don't need them anymore, and aren't paying to have them anymore. That system was bullshit in the first place, but a necessary step in the evolution of MJ legality.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

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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.

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