Last week’s Beachcomber contained an open letter expressing objections to the proposed use of the former K2 facility to grow and produce marijuana products. I understand that some of the discussions about this topic have not been particularly polite, and I appreciate the civil tone of the letter. However, there is something I don’t understand.

The objections are based on the effect of a drug manufacturing facility located near our schools. This would be fine, except for the fact that a distillery is located just down the street and closer to the schools.  A large number of studies and my personal observations indicate that alcohol can be a much more dangerous drug.  Furthermore, by all accounts the plan is to quietly manufacture marijuana products in a fairly nondescript building and then export them off-island for sale. In contrast, the Seattle Distillery building is visually appealing and invites the public in to sample their product.

Don’t get me wrong. I think that both businesses should be allowed to operate as long as they comply with the law. But saying that one should be allowed and not the other doesn’t make any sense to me.

— Henry Perrin