Puff! Puff! Pass! Jaycee talks Bud!

I believe that marijuana is a medicine. That said, I am not, nor have I ever, been a user of the drug. Why? The most prudent answer I will give for the sake of this discussion is cause I am not ill. Therefore, I have no need to use it.

Los Angeles County, which Long Beach is a part of is debating the cut off for the dispensaries. Some say it should be capped at 70. Others say 130 and so on. Los Angeles Times/Pat Morrison KCRW

Since the State of California implemented the voters will to allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes several dispensaries have sprung up like.....well, weed! (No pun intended)

There are those who believe that having a dispensary near them will attract a low element and increase crime. In fairness, there has been no statistics to back up this concern but in response, some cities have proposed the caps on new dispensaries or limiting them to certain areas of the city. (A De facto Red light District)

This is what I would like to talk about. I am not in favor of State or Local Governments relegating the dispensaries to one local.

Why?

Well, because it would limit that areas ability to attract viable and respectable businesses and residents. For example, Compton, My hometown, already has struggled with a terrible reputation Worldwide because of the export of Gang life images via music and movies. Compton was a dairy town with a rich history. There is still farm and dairy land in use. I love watching Black Cowboys in the city.

Maybe they will put all the dispensaries on Long Beach Blvd. and Rosecrans Ave. Sure wouldn't want to sell a home on Tucker, Queensdale or Ezmirlian Streets. It would be the equivalent of putting all the liquor stores, smoke shops, strip bars, pawnshops, check cashing and bail bonds in one concentrated area.

I propose that State and Local officials place the dispensaries where they belong in the Medical Districts. That's right with the Pharmacies and the Hospitals. If a Doctor can prescribe it, then, why can't someone, with that prescription, go to a dispensary right next to the Hospital?

This would eliminate any stigmas associated with the recreational user and those who market and sell to them. It would also protect the citizens. A Cancer patient does not want to travel to a seedy part of town to fill their prescription after a rousing session of Chemo! And they shouldn't have to!

You don't think that predators would prey on the Cancer ridden? Of course, they would!

Now, Legalization is a whole other issue! Let's not waste time arguing about that cause we are not there yet! So, Brother Starshine, (Not real person) standing outside of the local slurpee shop slanging that chronic! This ain't about you or your customer/fan base!

This is about State and Local governments passing the buck literally to everyone else. Your neighborhood could become Ground Zero! Your property valves are limited!

Isn't that NIMBY Mista Jaycee?

No, cause I am not saying that the dispensaries should not be in my neighborhood. I am saying that they City planners should place them in strategic areas of the city. First, in the Medical district! Secondly, no one neighborhood should have more than two every 8 blocks.

Spread em out!

But Local officials should also make sure that they look good. Maybe I have a nice little grocery market! I don't want a tie dyed head shop masquerading as a medical marijuana dispensaries. Discretion and good taste should be the standard!

Guess what City Government! The Working Class and The Poor don't want to be the dumping ground for the rest of the Cities economic and social classes! We like Bars, Tattoos, Strip Clubs, Smoke Shops and Liquor as much as you do! But we don't want to BE the people and areas you dump your undesirables and hide your secrets!

BE Prayerful! BE Mindful! BE Careful!
Jaycee