Blog 3

The story I chose is “New law could put some medical marijuana dispensaries out of business” found in the Los Angeles Times. This article talks about the new law in California that states that everybody wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry must apply for a license. Anyone with a previous felony drug charge or any substantially related offenses (illegal possession, fraud, deceit) be denied, even if the drug charge was really small and happened a long time ago. The author of this article Patrick McGreevy, wrote this to inform us of the new policies in Cali. His audience is toward those who are wanting to join the medical marijuana industry and those who are skeptical about it. For those who are wanting to join, he states what you need to do to get in and how many people with drug charges are affected. For those who are skeptical and aren’t too sure if this is a good idea, McGreevy states that if a drug charge is too big or the LAPD thinks was too serious of a crime, won’t be able to have a license. Still putting restrictions on those who try to screw over the law. I think McGreevy credibility is pretty good, he got many quotes from those in charge like Lori Ajex the head of the state Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation. He also had many statistics stating that an estimated 1250 medical marijuana dispensaries are opening up in the state. He even states how much this industry is (2.7 Billion). McGreevy's argument is unknown, he simply states the facts to the issue but hasn't taken a side. In my opinion I think it is a little unfair and unjust that those convicted of having marijuana may be penalized for it now even though it is legal. It should have never been illegal.