Opinion: Solving the medical pot cultivation issue in S. Tahoe

Dear City Council members,

What can be done to solve the medical marijuana garden “crisis”? Do we threaten sick people with home invasions and huge fines, or do we place the responsibility where it legally belongs?

It is not the job of the City Council to serve as property managers. That is the legal responsibility of property owners and rental property managers. It is their responsibility to clearly spell out the terms of their lease, to screen their potential tenants and perform whatever inspections are required to maintain their property. Absentee owners should take responsibility and hire a local property manager. If tenants are in violation of their lease, then owners and managers have ample legal remedies ranging from eviction to civil and even criminal actions in court.

Steve Kubby

It is also not the job of the City Council to thwart state law and the will of the voters. If the council thinks their cultivation ordinance is so great, then stop threatening patients with fines, public exposure to burglars and make the entire program voluntary.

Medical marijuana patients have legal rights. They are your neighbors and friends. They are sick even though it may not be apparent to you. They are not the problem. In fact they could be your solution.

Most patients I know would be happy to pay an additional 20 percent in rent to have the permission and peace of mind that comes from renting from a “215 friendly” property owner. A voluntary “215 friendly” program that provides patients with city guidelines and permits to grow would be popular and help all involved.

Let freedom grow,

Steve Kubby, South Lake Tahoe