HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/20/2018 Item 13, Ratkovich
Christian, Kevin
From:Jack Ratkovich <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Concerns for Tonight's Meeting
Dear SLO City Council Members,
Though I have strong views regarding an object on tonight's agenda, I will not be able to attend because I have class, so I
am expressing my thoughts via email. I hope you take this into consideration, as it seems the council typically gives little
consideration to the concerns of the students at Cal Poly and Cuesta, who comprise nearly 70% of the city's total
population. Just because our active voter percentage is low does not mean we do not deserve to be represented fairly.
I understand that the state-wide legalization of marijuana merits a discussion on local laws regarding the plant. Using
the state of Colorado as a model, post-legalization, recreational teen use of marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco dropped to
their lowest rates in 8 years. In 2015, Colorado received over $135 million in tax revenues, a massive portion of which
went to the state's education system (which would be a much more ethical source of revenue than the rampant, unjust
ticketing of students for minor, often harmless offenses that currently occurs), especially since many of the students,
who are often ticketed for things like entering a crosswalk when the hand signal is blinking with upwards of fifteen
seconds on the clock (which is plenty of time to cross), are struggling to afford housing, tuition, and food.
Not only is there a logical, economic incentive to support the industry, but there is also a moral reason: many people,
myself included, use marijuana for medical purposes. Prior to medical marijuana, I struggled daily with overwhelming
depression, crippling anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Responsible use of the drug has aided my process of obtaining
peace of mind. Furthermore, many students use the substance to aid with the stress that comes with high-intensity
majors. The drug is useful for treating all sorts of other ailments, including glaucoma, insomnia, and epilepsy.
The city of San Luis Obispo has already banned marijuana storefronts, which is an overextension of government
authority in and of itself, but to take the regulation of marijuana to any further extent would be entirely criminal and
unacceptable, as it would be based on outdated perceptions of the drug, which is less impactful on people's bodies and
lives than alcohol. Inhibiting or preventing people from obtaining this medicinal plant would be an attack on the
mentally and physically ill and a complete, conscious disregard for the best interests of the 30,000+ students and young
adults living in the city of San Luis Obispo, and it would be poor, irresponsible economic policy.
The world is evolving. We should be, too.
Thank you,
Jackson Ratkovich
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