This letter is in response to Michael Kahl's letter. The Lodi City Council has enacted a 45-day ban on all outdoor growing of marijuana. This ban is in no way endorsing or condemning the legal use of medical marijuana. This ban is in place to give the council the time needed to gather information necessary to make an informed decision. This is a zoning issue.

Michael was right when he stated that no one was breaking the law. That is precisely why the issue of cultivating marijuana within the city limits is an important one. I find it incredibly naive for anyone to think that having marijuana growing in their neighborhood would not leave them at a higher risk for crime. The issue of marijuana cultivation within the city limits can't be compared with other vegetables, fruit or flowers. There is plenty of documentation supporting the fact that where there are drugs, there is increased crime and violence. It may not be the fault of the property owner who grows marijuana and gets robbed, but it is the responsibility of our elected officials to protect their citizens from dangers that can be controlled.