The proposed dispensary at Mission and Laurel Streets, formerly Emily’s Bakery, faces a pivotal vote by the Santa Cruz City Council. This moment represents an opportunity for authentic community dialogue, where concerns about children’s safety and drug misuse can be directly addressed. By relying on evidence over fear, we can foster trust and ensure well- informed decision-making.
I’ve known and worked with Valerie Corral, co-founder of the Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM), for decades through initiatives like the United Way’s Compassionate Use Initiative and Santa Cruz County’s Community Prevention Partners. She is a nationally recognized leader in medical marijuana advocacy, pioneering the path for effective policy. For 33 years, WAMM has set a benchmark in compassionate care, delivering essential services at low or no cost. Should we lose these services, there’s no other organization to fill this void. As a result, low-income patients battling cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other serious conditions would lose vital support.
A decision against the dispensary risks stripping our most vulnerable neighbors of critical support, leaving them to fight devastating illnesses alone. Let’s not abandon those who need us most. Choose facts, choose compassion, choose WAMM.
— Gail Pellerin, Assemblymember, District 28
Letter co-signed by State Sen.