Supports Measure B

Ukiah Daily Journal Staff
Article Last Updated: 05/22/2008 08:17:44 AM PDT

To the Editor:

I grow marijuana commercially.

I realize that saying so is risky, but I write you now to educate the public so that one day my kind may be treated with the respect we deserve.

First, let me say that my colleagues and I prefer to be called Cannabis Farmers. We use the word Cannabis, because our work is scientific (hence the Latin), and farmers, because we are no different from those hard working Americans who grow corn, rice, or soybeans (except, perhaps for the fact that we drive much nicer cars).

I became a cannabis farmer after Proposition 215 passed because I wanted to do something for my community. It was a sacrifice, let me tell you. Back then, we had to cultivate our crops in secret, with dark film over the windows so we wouldn't be confused with drug dealers. Because there are no Federal subsidies for cannabis farmers (we remain hopeful), it took every cent I had for my startup equipment: grow lights, climate controls, electricity, soil, chemicals. And have you seen the price of ammunition lately? Shameful.

Despite these obstacles, I got my operation running, and I never looked back. I've taken the film off the windows and -- thanks to Measure G -- I've added many acres of outdoor crops to my farm. I even have little numbered zip ties for my plants. The county gets $20 for each one, and I get a nice feeling of legitimacy, so everyone's happy.

My cannabis has helped hundreds of thousands of sick people -- none I've met, mind you, but I can infer from my yield, which since Measure G, has been phenomenal. In addition to helping the sick, my farm keeps local independent businesses alive, including garden centers, bottled CO2 suppliers, smoke shops, and pit bull breeders, just to name a few.

But the dark ages are not over. Despite my sacrifices, I am persecuted by the public. They complain that Cannabis Farmers don't pay taxes, which is simply untrue. I pay property taxes for four houses in Brooktrails -- and I don't even live in them. Does that seem fair to you?

My friend John Pinches, understands. Johnny (I call him Johnny when we tailgate) tells me I should run for office, just like he did. "Think of the damage we could do!" he says.

"Don't worry, Johnny," I tell him, "You're doing enough damage for the both of us." Besides, the business keeps me pretty busy. I work hard, and my labors allow me to take vacations, buy real estate with cash, and dabble in other businesses without the worry that they must profit. Isn't that what the American dream is all about? Who knows -- maybe I can even make my cannabis available to local schools kids. There is just so much need.

Obviously, cannabis farmers deserve more respect than they get. We bring people together with a sense of common purpose -- particularly in the fall. Some day, maybe, we'll be seen as the heroes we are. But until then, I'll just keep doing what I do, and reminding myself what Mother Theresa once said: "Give until it hurts, because real love hurts."

Kelly Lee
Willits