Marijuana debate needs to change

The debate on medical marijuana needs to change. Talk with the people and families who can now live "functional" lives with epilepsy or cancer by medicating with cannabis. Ask them if "cigarettes and beer" provide the same level of treatment.

Spend some time with them understanding how this plant helps them without the pharmaceutical side-effects. More importantly, explain to your children why this plant helps people with chronic pain and severe diseases.

The so called "back door risk" of having a caregiver raising plants near schools and in neighborhoods is completely thoughtless. Let's have a more important discussion about a real and present risk to kids in Whitefish.

Sexual offenders are not regulated in Montana. They can live near schools and playgrounds like any other citizen. They can open up shop right next door to you. They are not mandated to stay a certain distance from churches, schools or playgrounds.

Montana is the second largest state for sexual offenders. The link to the 299 Flathead Valley Sexual Offenders is so full that my high speed Internet seems frozen.

In Whitefish alone, there are 27 sexual offenders, including several that live by the elementary and high schools. Take a look for yourself at the Montana Department of Justice.

Let's all educate ourselves on the real dangers children face in our neighborhoods and stop stigmitizing a therapeutic plant.

Stella Subvene

Whitefish