Montrose - Daily Press

OLATHE  — Bars are on the windows and the door is locked most of the time, but the Olathe medical marijuana dispensary is open for business.

At the front door of THC with TLC at 519 Highway 50 Business Loop in Olathe, a doorman checks identification. It’s hard to see in through the windows of the old service station because they are secured with rebar. There is no admittance to anyone under 18.

Inside is a wall with signatures and expressions of support. “This is your wall, this is your store,” it states.

William Hewitt, owner of THC with TLC, stands behind a cash register at his newly opened medical marijuana dispensary at 519 Highway 50 Business Loop in Olathe. This area, which houses different medications, included marijuana oils and lotions, is not open to the public, but only to those with a medical marijuana license. (Joel Blocker / Daily Press) Advertisement

The building is divided into three rooms. The first is where people can obtain information on getting a medical marijuana license, medical marijuana is legal in the state of Colorado under Amendment 20. Without a license, this is the farthest one will get in the dispensary.

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Comments

the way it is wrote on Nov 17, 2009 4:24 PM:

" In the USA we vote to make laws, this keeps order. the state of CO. voted, amendment 20 gives us the legal right to use pot for 8 differant medical reasons at the state level only. If you have a problem with the CO. law i suggest that you get to work and try to change it (the potheads did, how hard is it to beat a stoner to the polls). 14 states have amended there constitutions to allow the use of medical pot. In the future this issue will be much bigger at the federal level. "




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On the Fence wrote on Oct 6, 2009 7:29 AM:

" Thanks Judy J now it makes sense "




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aaca wrote on Oct 5, 2009 9:11 PM:

" Way to go Mr. Hewitt. I know you have studied the medical fields for YEARS AND YEARS and you were held back from one area to help people but you didnt let it keep you down. You found another way and I congratulate you. You have a wonderful heart and you care about the pain that alot of people suffer from and you are the one that can help them now. Good luck and dont let people get you down. Remember people, the doctors are the one that originally prescibe weed before they can go to Mr. Hewitts store. "




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JudyJ wrote on Oct 5, 2009 7:51 PM:

" Even JudyJ knows that POCM means "Peace Out Chicken Man!" "




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Wait wrote on Oct 5, 2009 6:43 PM:

" Chickenman... I'm confused... are you not the same guy who says he smokes MJ for his migraines? Yet now you post that if it was "possible" you would smoke it? Hummmmm... me thinks maybe someone did not have a "medical" (or legal) reason to have it and is now trying to cover his tracks.

PS: Yes, the po-po reads the paper and this posts too! "




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On the Fence wrote on Oct 5, 2009 4:07 PM:

" Good point Chickenman, but please excuse my ignorance, what does POCM at the end of your posts mean? "




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Sad but true wrote on Oct 5, 2009 11:11 AM:

" Chickenman...We can also grow poppies, from which we get heroin. So should heroin also be legalized, and sold by medical dispensaries? All a medical marijuana dispensary needs to operate in Colorado is a tax numer. No regulations, nothing. Sad but true. "




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Chickenman wrote on Oct 5, 2009 8:32 AM:

" All of them make me vomit, all I can do is take Tylenol and Advil and suffer with a fair amount of pain. If medicinal mj would work and was legal I would sure go that route next time! "....
. ...Fact is those over the counter drugs kill and sicken more folks daily then all the mj deaths ever.. Its all about profit, we cant grow Tylenol, but we can grow mj, So misstruths are spread to keep pushing their deadly chemdrugs.POCM. "




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Chickenman wrote on Oct 5, 2009 8:10 AM:

" Sure he is licensed through Health and Human Services and the State of Colorado...Wrong... netiher of these agencies have anything to do with mmj.The colo. dept. of health oversees all patients requests and issues cards to patients. Patients can provide for themselfs or allow a designated caregiver to provide medication for them.As long as taxes are paid, and law is followed, no nightmiresby the law...POCM "




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Jacob wrote on Oct 4, 2009 10:01 PM:

" This is wonderful news for Olathe. I'm sorry if you can't see using a natural plant that has been proved non addictive other than pain medication thats addictive and harmful is good. I stopped by and the owner said if any patient sells their product or if anyone tries to use a fake license they will call the police. I have had to see my mom go through chronic pain and depression for years and the medicine she has now hurts her more than it helps. You would not feel this way if it was just a plain pharmacy. "




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Olathan wrote on Oct 4, 2009 3:31 PM:

" WAY TO GO TOWN OF OLATHE!!!!YOUR IN THE NEWS AGAIN I CANT BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULD LET A MAN OF THAT CALIBER CONTROL YOU AND YOUR TOWN!!! "




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Whoa...back up. wrote on Oct 4, 2009 12:26 PM:

" I would be the first to smoke pot if I were in pain vs pills. I have a family member in the hospital from pain pills, this would never have happened if it were pot. BUT, who will be minding the storekeeper? "




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Someone has to ask wrote on Oct 4, 2009 12:22 PM:

" I for one would like to know who is going to monitor Mr. Hewitt and his sales? Sure he is licensed through Health and Human Services and the State of Colorado, but they don't monitor his day to day sales. This is a nighmare for law enforcement. "




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Jen wrote on Oct 4, 2009 1:02 AM:

" I have smoked pot in the past as many people have, I dont see the big deal on keeping it illegal, I think alcohol is way worse as well as prescription drugs. After having a couple surgeries and various injuries over the years doctors have giving me pain meds such as Vicodin, Percocet and one time a Morphine injection. All of them make me vomit, all I can do is take Tylenol and Advil and suffer with a fair amount of pain. If medicinal mj would work and was legal I would sure go that route next time! "




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on the fence wrote on Oct 3, 2009 8:29 AM:

" That was good "funny",

Laughing to hard to type. "




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Rooster wrote on Oct 2, 2009 11:50 PM:

" Marijuanna doesn't lead peeps to drugs like meth. The only thing marijuanna leads people to is McDonalds and Burger King. "




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Just Sayin wrote on Oct 2, 2009 11:27 AM:

" Dextromethamphetamine is also meth, called Dexadrine. It is a legal drug. It is also prescribed for ADHD, and narcoplesy. Is your kid on Dexadrine? When they grow up, they will become meth heads. Or is that also name calling? "




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Funny wrote on Oct 2, 2009 11:20 AM:

" Jweee,

LOL! Well, in that case, I'd been talking about the guy with the actual pot on his head!

Of course, in that instance, I would have said, "The pot-head standing next to the stoner!"

:o) "




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I agree What wrote on Oct 2, 2009 10:45 AM:

" What truly are the pro's annd con's of legalizing MJ? If the Pro's didn't out wiegh the Con's States wouldn't be allowing these dispensary's to open. A relaxing Hi, buzz what ever you want to label it is what this is all about? When it helps with Nausea, stress,anxiety, cramps, appetite, pain reliever. Sounds like the perfect drug for PMS. "




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JWeee wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:36 PM:

" "Funny"
What if the guy smoking weed was standing next to a dude with a flower pot on his head? Then you're just name calling... :o) "




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Insurance wrote on Oct 1, 2009 6:35 PM:

" Mr. Hewitt,
What types of insurance do you accept? Medicaid? I mean if it's a "Medical marijuana dispensary" then you would need to accept most recognized medical insurance, medicaid, credit cards, etc. Otherwise it is just a way around the law to sell illegal drugs, and yes, marijuana is a drug, just as alcohol, tobacco, and even caffiene are. Oh sorry, those last 3 are legal. "




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Just a thought wrote on Oct 1, 2009 5:54 PM:

" What DAH and What.....
Just so you know, methamphetamine (meth) is a legal drug, prescription required, used for narcolepsy, and also used for hyperactivity in children. It is a controlled substance. Now crystal methamphetamine (meth) is just the street version, manufactured in illegal labs. So please, don't call others ignorant, or tell them to get educated before they post. Just a thought! "




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Paul wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:47 PM:

" I don't think MJ should be legalized. However I see the point some are making. It's not "uneducated," it's basic logic. If you’re going to legalize one drug and tax it, why not legalize all drugs and tax them? There'd be no more war on drugs, drug arrests, drug murders, drug anything… except possible tax evasion investigations. Think of how empty our jails would be! And all drug dealers would be out of business because you could purchase your drug of choice at Wal-Mart!

From a logical standpoint, it’s a very valid argument. "




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Funny wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:33 PM:

" What DAH,

You're correct, ignorance is bliss. It also leads to incomprehensible posts (like yours). My apologies though. I never thought "pot-head" to be "name calling." I've always considered it to be discriptive in purpose. Something like this:

Me: "would you look at that guy over there!"

My friend: "Which one?"

Me: "The pot-head!"

See, discriptive, not name calling! "




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What wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:50 AM:

" What? Personal addiction? Do you know the differences in physical and metal addictions. MJ doesn't put you into the DT's, or put you through a a physical withdrawl that can be deadly like Herion. Yes, it is choosing one drug over another in what to legalize. This is how our country and the world works. Have you heard of the FDA! Your comparing apples to oranges. That is ignorant!!! "




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Valid Point wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:19 AM:

" I hate to admit it, but “funny” and the others make a valid and logical point. I knew tons of people that use to smoke, snort or inject all sorts of stuff on the weekends for fun or out of boredom or to kill some mental / physical pain. But during the week they all had jobs to go to and were useful members of society.

So, what’s the difference? From a purely logical point, nothing. Just legalize everything. Then each person can pick their own poison and pay taxes on it. "




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Brian wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:27 AM:

" Joshua
Sure, they can choose whatever drug thay want, i don't care. But i also agree that MJ is not as addictive as meth or heroin. The harder drugs are harder on your body. They can use them but its still illegal. The government has to look out for the good of the people. Since there is a supposed medical use for MJ then go ahead and use it. But there is no medical use for meth, heroin, LSD, XTC, PCP, shrooms, etc. "




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learn the facts wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:00 AM:

" I have never used MJ, but if given the choice between pain relife from a naturally grown plant that is not addictive , or a pill that is derived from cocaine or heroine, and is VERY addictive, I think the choice is simple! Also want to add, as a medic I have taken MANY people to the hospital who overdosed on meth, alcohol, coke, perscription pain meds, and heroine. I have NEVER taken a person who overdosed on pot!!! "




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learn the facts wrote on Oct 1, 2009 8:55 AM:

" c'mon guys, MJ has PROVEN medical benifits, to relieve pain, and reduce nausea from chemo. It's also proven to be NOT PHYSICALLY addictive. Are you really saying you believe meth has those properties? Than your wrong. I can't believe some of you would rather take a drug derived from cocaine or heroine, and become addicted to it, than one that is naturally grown, and that God put here to use. "




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Joshua wrote on Sep 30, 2009 7:15 PM:

" Brian,

Of course there are different effects. But if the battle cry for legalizing MJ is "freedom" and "taxes" then let people be free to chose whatever drug they want... and tax them on it. Just as people claim MJ cures their ills, so do people using heroin... and meth... and any other drug they are addicted to. So why play favorites? Or does it go back to what "Funny" said? Everyone thinks their personal addiction is acceptable but nobody else's is... "




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Brian wrote on Sep 30, 2009 10:06 AM:

" To What,
I agree that both can severely impair you. This is true. I am against legalizing MJ. But the idea of leagalizing MJ and all other illegal drugs is an uneducated comment. Read up on the Scheduled drugs and you will understand why not to legalize most drugs. "




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Julie wrote on Sep 30, 2009 8:36 AM:

" Funny,

I think you just hit the nail on its head! I agree; if you are going to legalize one, then legalize all of them. What is the difference? Nothing! I agree; funny that a pot-head looks down on other addicts!

And as someone keeps saying “ignorance is bliss.” And that ignorance lies in a cloud of pot smoke! "




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Laughing wrote on Sep 30, 2009 6:01 AM:

" WOW, this discussion actually amazes me. Let them use MJ, I have never seen a MJ user cause too much trouble, its because they become very stupid from the loss of brain cells. Read some of these blogs!!!!!!!!!!!!! "




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What DAH wrote on Sep 29, 2009 11:53 PM:

" You give every example of low motor response, ignorance is bliss. What plant are living on? Before you speak get educated. I truly feel sorry for people like you . Continue your ignorant name calling of “ Pot Heads” . Trust me there are many more names for ignorant people like you. I’m your Neighbor , Business,, Judge,& Teacher. Stigmatize, name call all you want . What is your anger accomplishing ? People like to unwind and get Hi!! How dare them, Cialis, anyone? Wait Meth is compariable!! Ignorant! "




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What DAH wrote on Sep 29, 2009 11:33 PM:

" You give every example of low motor response, ignorance is bliss. What plant are living on? Meth is a narcotic not a controlled substance. Before you speak get educated. "




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on the fence wrote on Sep 29, 2009 6:07 PM:

" Not quite sure where to stand on this issue. Yes, it has been proven that marijuana can be of assistance to people with various diseases. But if it’s going to be used in the treatment of those diseases wouldn’t it be better to have it dispensed by a pharmacist as we do with other controlled substances. Why is there a difference between codeine and marijuana? Both are a controlled substance yet we can now sell marijuana out of a store front. This is a tuff issue, I must go take my codeine now and ponder on it. "




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Funny wrote on Sep 29, 2009 4:32 PM:

" WHAT,

Why is there a difference? Both cause loss of motor control (just like alcohol) and both cause delay in motor response (just like alcohol). Both are possibly addictive (just like alcohol). So, if you are going to legalize one, why not both or all illegal drugs? What’s the difference?

Or is it because pot-heads look down on “hard drug” users… just like non MJ users look down on pot-heads?

Life is funny sometimes, isn’t it? We all want to think our personal addiction is more acceptable than someone else’s addiction. "




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What wrote on Sep 29, 2009 11:09 AM:

" Who cares if this new business owner was on public housing. He’s working and paying taxes now. How many federal seizers have happen in the past months? None. It’s no longer being done, it’s now a none issue. Taking the criminalization out of the picture puts money back into the tax payer’s pocket. If you don’t like bars don’t go. If you don’t like MJ don’t go get a RX. This is still a free country, right? "




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WHAT wrote on Sep 29, 2009 11:08 AM:

" Whoever compared Meth legalization to MJ needs their head examined. This is the problem with ignorance. Stop comparing a loaded Gun to a BB Gun. Heck alcohol is by far worse than MJ. Why don’t compare Meth and Heroin to alcohol. You know why, because that is ignorant! "




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Chickenman wrote on Sep 28, 2009 10:08 PM:

" I totaly agree prevention is always best. Cluster type migranes like mine are tough to prevent... They say its geneitic and so happens my prentsboth had migranes as wellI.would be very skeptical of any prescribed medication for this type of migrane. What medication are you referring to and what type of migrane do they say you have?Whatever works for you fine, anything beats what we go through..as u know ThanksCM "




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ponderer wrote on Sep 28, 2009 5:24 PM:

" Anyone know if this business will take my ham health insurance? "




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Good Grief wrote on Sep 28, 2009 3:13 PM:

" Well of course he had the money. WE (the taxpayers) were paying for his housing while he distributed MJ out of it... and the rumor is he was making good money doing it. So, if you have no costs because WE (the taxpayers) were supporting him, and he had unrepoted cash income (and let's face it, drug dealer is a big money making opportunity)... chances are, he's the richest guy in town. "




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Storm Crow wrote on Sep 28, 2009 2:47 PM:

" Chances are that you will suffer from a condition that cannabis can treat. Read Granny Stoirm Crow's list" to learn about medical cannabis use. The question is will you go to a clean well-run dispensary, or a backstreet dealer? Or maybe risk the "rare, but sometimes fatal" side effects of prescription drugs? Dispensaries also sell clones for patients to grow- freeing them from the expense of buying cannabis. Cannabis is safer than aspirin, has few unpleasant side effects and is effective. "




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Brian wrote on Sep 28, 2009 12:54 PM:

" Although this business may legal in the state of colorado it is not legal by federal standards. The federal government has not yet leaglaized MJ, so if a DEA federal agent walks in this business he will still be breaking federal law. "




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Stop the Occurance wrote on Sep 28, 2009 1:59 AM:

" Chickenman......are you aware there are preventative drugs for migraines? I too suffer from migraines, so bad that I have blacked out for days, nausea, loss of vision, and it takes days to re-coup from. If your migraines are so severe, I would suggest you try a preventative prescription. I know, they aren't organic, some corporation is making a profit, etc., but they do work. Better to prevent something, than to cope with it when it occurs. "




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I Compared wrote on Sep 28, 2009 1:53 AM:

" I understand that Meth relieves pain for some people. Maybe we should issue them cards, and let them open meth dispensaries, and meth labs to supply them. Just a comparison. "




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patrick wrote on Sep 27, 2009 8:52 PM:

" I personally dont care if people want to use pot as a medication if it helps then good, but there just turning it into a joke. People all over the state are going to start getting licensed so that they can legally have it. "




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patrick wrote on Sep 27, 2009 8:49 PM:

" You guys are looking at this from the wrong angle. Who cares if this guy is disabled who cares if he is trying to open up a business to make money. The problem is it needs to be regulated appropriatly. If its a medication then treat it like one.certified to grow MJ to "dispense it to the ones who need it" when in actually just creates a loophole in the law for people to posess it legally. If you just want it legal make it legal if its a med then regulate it so "




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bmbm wrote on Sep 27, 2009 7:48 PM:

" come on- are you saying you cannot try to open and run business if you're disabled? social security gives incentives to disabled americans to start a business, or go back and try to work. if they are able to, they are terminated by social security and hopefully are able to be productive members of society. it is not like social security is not made aware of his business. at least this man is trying. "




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JudyJ wrote on Sep 27, 2009 5:51 PM:

" All you anti-marijuana knee-jerks:

Why can't you whiners leave this small businessman alone? As long as it's legal and helpful to peope who need it, it's none of your business. Neither is his personal life. Unless you can PROVE an illegality, go wag your teabags somewhere else.

P.S. I've never smoked marijuana, but if I ever need it, I hope it's there . . . . "




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Chickenman wrote on Sep 27, 2009 1:29 PM:

" So the federal govt., does not recognize medical mj as being legal. We the people of colo approved medical use by a majority of voters for we the people of of Colo..
If were willing to give up rights that mean nothing to some people personaly, could be next the agenda will be rights you care about as well.......Something to think about regardless of the mmj issue...CM "




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Concerned Citizen wrote on Sep 27, 2009 10:49 AM:

" Is there a local doctor that has prescriptive authority to order medical marijuana? "




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jm olathe wrote on Sep 27, 2009 10:20 AM:

" for those who complain about town politics get out and go to a town meeting and vote i dont like this place opening but it will get one more person off housing and in last 2 yrs ive gone to meeting ave att: public 3 , last election 700 plus dont like things do something dont just complain "




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Chickenman wrote on Sep 27, 2009 8:05 AM:

" You all may not believe this but Iam opposed to these dispensaries popping up all over the state. Patients are being exploited with low quality meds, and high prices.
What patients need is a coop like Iam involved in and we can obtain quality medication collectivly by folks we know who cultivate our medication organicaly and at a reasonale price. Greed will be the downfall if these profiteers are allowed to continue...mmj should not be for huge ptofits CM "




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Chickenman wrote on Sep 27, 2009 7:56 AM:

" ..Day before yesterday I had such horrible migrane I assure anyone of you would have gone directly to Hospital. Pain so severe could not even lie down along with nausea, dry heaves. My condidtion is chronic, mmj most times will control my pain and thankfully episodes as severe as this only happen a few times monthly. Compared to visit to hospitial, narcotics, Ill choose mmj...CM "




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Truth wrote on Sep 26, 2009 2:41 AM:

" ^ It helps alot of people and is good medicine, dont let social stigma or the media choose your point of view. See reality for what it is not what you perceive it to be. "




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Just Curious wrote on Sep 25, 2009 11:13 PM:

" Is this the same William Hewitt that got evicted by HUD from his taxpayer subsidized home for growing/using MJ? Weren't we told he was too disabled to work? Had to move into a travel trailer? Didn't even have the money to haul away his belongings from the rental house, so left it trashed? And now just a few months later he has the money to rent a building, buy the products he is selling, and open a business. Only in America! "




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Nancy wrote on Sep 25, 2009 11:01 PM:

" This guy is not even Med.Certified to despense Meds like the State of Colorado requires of caregivers. I personaly witness this man giving narcotics prescribe to him to others they were not prescribed. This is against the law. He is a whinney guy who gets around the law. "




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Phonies get license wrote on Sep 25, 2009 11:01 PM:

" The Denver Post runs ads where a doctor will come to your home, qualify you for the license for MMJ. You can get your MMJ, from this organization of course, the same day. If you don't qualify, you get your money back. Seems anyone can qualify. This is wrong, as those who actually would benefit (cancer, aids, MS, etc.) will be lumped in with the pothead. Indeed it is sad. "




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Happy wrote on Sep 25, 2009 9:09 PM:

" Think i'll stop in this week and get a medical check up at the store. woot woot "




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thc with tlc wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:25 PM:

" She gained 30 pounds was able to hold food and h20 down. It was a blessing to see her eat and gain weight. The weight gain helped her with further kemo sessions and she was able to spend more time with the family cause she had energy to do things with us. I know people think that they might just sell to anyone but I have faith that it will only be given to the proper people and also faith in our law officers to do there job if it is being given to the wrong people. "




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thc with tlc wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:18 PM:

" I understand people are angry about the new store. I can understand both sides one more then the other though. I took care of a mother like fugure as she dies of breast cancer..there were so many times she was hungry but couldnt keep food not evan h20 doen.Then when she thought she could she had no appetite.Then a friend tld us too see if pot would help her. "




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Sad Indeed wrote on Sep 25, 2009 6:36 PM:

" If this is the same Hewitt who lost his Section 8 Housing Voucher because of his use of MMJ, and growing pot, where did this person come up with the money to open this weed den? It takes money to open a small business. I thought from the news stories he was destitute. Was he hiding his income to live off the taxpayer before? If he is disabled, it won't take much for the average criminal to get past him to the drugs. Sad day indeed. "




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Hellena Handbasket wrote on Sep 25, 2009 5:03 PM:

" It's a sad day that a disabled man was able to open his own business, supplying medication to patients? I don't get that at all. It's a good day for the folks in chronic pain who now have an easier time accessing their prescribed medicine. "




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Olathe Res wrote on Sep 25, 2009 4:40 PM:

" Well as how the this never came to the board, all you Town Administrator fans how you doing now?? The Town Administrator issued the licence, so others saying the board is not letting them do there job it kinda looks like they did and this is what happens....... WOW I hope this board grows a pair and rids our town of positions that are not needed!!! Or maybe us residents need to take that postion away again!!!! "




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Maegan wrote on Sep 25, 2009 4:28 PM:

" What are you talking about? Poor Olathe will receive money from their taxes. It's not a bad thing. "




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Disappointed wrote on Sep 25, 2009 12:18 AM:

" This is a sad day for our community. "




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