Let the process decide

It frustrates me that the city would consider banning the proposed marijuana dispensary business based on the specious argument that its presence will send the wrong message to kids.

We have two pharmacies in Montpelier already. Do the pharmacies’ presence tell kids that it is OK to use prescription drugs that weren’t prescribed to them? Even worse, those pharmacies sell candy and sugary beverages — a major threat to the health of children who abuse them. I don’t hear the mayor calling for pharmacies to be closed down and the candy banned from their shelves.

We also have our share of bars and a liquor store in town — right on Main Street — the same street where the middle school is located. Do we think the bars and liquor store send the wrong message to kids about drinking alcohol? Is the mayor ready for those businesses to be shuttered to save the morals of our city’s youth?

The marijuana dispensary business is heaviy regulated by state officials and will provide medicine to suffering people who would otherwise have to obtain it from criminals. If the dispensary complies with state regulations and other city regulations applicable to all businesses, then it should be allowed to operate in the city.

Anthony N. Iarrapino

Montpelier