Fremont Housing Authority Board Members
Dear Fremont Housing Authority Board Members,
I ask that you reconsider the most major change to our lease which is the strict prohibition of smoking or vaping any cannabis, hemp-derived, or THC containing products on any FHA managed property.
While the Nebraskan and American governments keep dragging their feet and opposing the will of the people on the legalization of cannabis, the people always prevail. This drug has saved not only my life as a very severe ME/CFS sufferer but those of countless other Nebraskans and Americans. It has improved our quality of life and saved us, Medicaid/Medicare, and the taxpayers time, money and effort that would’ve otherwise been spent in keeping us dependent on the state with our more frail health. Considering it is useful in treating certain mental health conditions, including my own PTSD from being recently trafficked, it also saves the resources of police, prisons and courts who are already overwhelmed, as well as saves the lives and wellbeing of the general public.
This policy by the Board seems reactionary and in my opinion, foolish and short sighted. Many of the same people who receive great benefits from cannabis products are the elderly and the disabled. The same communities who reside here. It would be yet another blow to our health and wellbeing as we continue to fight our government, fight to obtain the drug and fight to stay alive.
I understand the issues and frustrations with illegal drug use, highly intoxicated people and those who are purposefully and unnecessarily inconsiderate of others. This policy does nothing to address these issues; creates more bitterness between tenants, staff and others; and will eventually be struck down in a court of law. This will further undermine the purpose of the Fremont Housing Authority by wasting money on foolish legal fees. It will also lay waste the goodwill of those who tried and still try to build this community up instead of tearing it down.
A better solution, in my opinion is to say that any legal cannabis product should be smoked away from others on property even when in the designated smoking areas, away from all building entrances and certainly not inside the building. I don’t exactly appreciate the aroma like many others. I certainly don’t want to be near it unless necessary.
While I prefer to ingest the drug keeping me alive, Nebraska keeps removing our access to legal cannabis products. While I have tried to stockpile some, I might soon find that I can only obtain it in cigarette or vape form, if at all. I certainly don’t want to break the rules of my lease nor bother my neighbors. I would quickly find my health failing and have to become homeless yet again in another state in order to survive or simply resign myself to die a horrific death.
Any foolish behavior resulting from cannabis use is already covered by other parts of the lease and laws concerning disorderly conduct. There isn’t a need for any strict prohibitions.
We need to think about every aspect of an issue and tackle it with thoughtfulness, empathy and respect for everyone, especially those who we might disagree with.
I would certainly like to continue living here and fighting for our community to the best of my ability. I do love it so. I look forward to your decision.
Sincerely,
Darcy Mohamed
2510 N Clarkson St, #906
Fremont, NE 68025
