Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Robbed Less Often Than Banks

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Robbed Less Often Than Banks

A breakthrough analysis of Denver crime statistics shows medical marijuana dispensaries are robbed less often than either banks or liquor stores.

Opponents of medical marijuana have long claimed that MM dispensaries are robbed more frequently than other businesses and thus should be banned However, a new study shows that Denver medical marijuana dispensaries are actually robbed less often than banks or liquor stores. Unsurprisingly, the study determined that dispensaries were robbed about as often as pharmacies.

And the source of this breakthrough analysis? A pro-medical marijuana group? Hardly. The information comes directly from the Denver Police Department. Division Chief Tracie Keesee authored the analysis which appeared in a memo to members of the Denver City Council.

Medical marijuana dispensaries have long been surrounded by myths - most of them based on misunderstanding or deliberate disinformation campaigns launched by MM dispensary opponents. Dispensaries serve a legitimate function: providing legal and legitimate medication to state-certified patients suffering from debilitating illnesses. In that sense, they are no different than pharmacies and deserve to be treated with the same respect. Cancer and ALS patients, those living with HIV/AIDS, men and women suffering from glaucoma - all rely on medical marijuana dispensaries to provide them with the medication that alleviates their symptoms in ways traditional therapies do not.

For dispensary owners, the results of the Denver Police study are anything but surprising. We urge state lawmakers to closely examine the findings of this study and keep them in mind as they prepare to enact sweeping legislation that threatens the entire medical marijuana dispensary model. No less a figure that Senator Chris Romer has already commented on the study, telling the Denver Post that these findings show an outright ban on dispensaries in unfounded and unnecessary.