Most drugs used for pain management fall into the opiate category; either derived from opium directly or synthetically manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. All of these drugs are some of the most addicting substances known, have a plethora of side effects, and eventually cease to work after a period of time and addiction is what remains. Sadly, this is the case with many pharmaceutical preparations. Also, opiates do not take the pain away, they merely change the way you experience it. Current research finds that medical marijuana works much the same way and is one of the very few substances that carry no addictive properties i.e. there is no tolerance, physical dependence, and very few even develop a psychological dependence. The only so-called "side effect" is the euphoria, that many would argue is really a desired effect! This is in stark contrast to pharmaceutical preparations. Yet the propaganda machine continues to spew its false premises perpetuated by pharmaceutical companies and the alcoholic beverage industry who do not want competition. Also, it makes for good politics for those running for elected office so they can continue to argue for a "war on drugs" which was a preposterous notion to begin with... but Americans do love their wars. Oh, and a large percentage of people in this country that are incarcerated are people of color convicted of drug charges, many of which are marijuana convictions. That's right, here in the land of the free we incarcerate way more people than any other country in the world, many of which are for the use of drugs not prescribed by a doctor. Don't you think it is time to repeal the prohibition on marijuana and allow people the freedom of choice in their treatment?

While it's good that the City Commissioners are worried about Pain Clinics selling drugs to people that don't need them it's Bad because it has led to people with legitimate pain being unable to get the pain-killer drugs they need. Doctors are scared to death that if they prescribe these drugs they'll be on the government's radar.

We already have a pill mill. It is Truman Medical. Go in for a hang nail, come out with Oxys. That is what Key West needs, none junkies.

Eliminates the competition for the homies.