Is the Grass Greener?
At a recent neighborhood meeting on my block, I learned that there were EIGHTEEN so-called “medical marijuana pharmacies” within walking distance of my home, more than in any other neighborhood in Long Beach! I think it is very unhealthy to have so many of these facilities in a neighborhood so close to Longfellow Elementary and Hughes Middle schools.
I understand that it is impossible to close them down since they are “legitimate,” but they should at least be licensed and taxed and should receive less publicity rather than more. A couple of very “happy” young men were observed coming out of a nearby facility not looking particularly ill. And if prescription is needed, doctors’ prescription pads are stolen all the time and they can easily be reproduced on any copy machine.
Please do not advertise these facilities. They do not need any more exposure. Eighteen “pharmacies” are way too many for the Bixby Knolls/Cal Heights neighborhoods.
Sandy Cummings
Long Beach
I don’t see anything wrong with you accepting ads from the medical marijuana dispensaries. They are providing a valuable service, and letting them advertise in the Signal Tribune would be a good thing for them and you.
Keep up the great job you are doing!
Jane Nadeau
Long Beach
We are writing to support you accepting ads for gentlemen’s clubs or, for that matter, any other ads you feel are appropriate, including medicinal marijuana dispensaries. We appreciate your coverage of local news and know it depends on continuing ad revenue. I don’t know how many young children read the Tribune, but it’s kind of nonsense to feel they would be adversely affected by such ads.
Clark and Donnis Weygandt
Signal Hill
You are right on about this issue on medical marijuana. It is much better for Signal Hill to get on board and start signing up and taxing these businesses. The City of Signal Hill can better control the sale of and the quality of this product,and the tax money will go a long way to help boast the revenue. It’s going to be sold anyway, so let’s get on board.
As a side note, the past weekly concerts held here gave me a little insight on the matter. I worked every Wednesday evening selling soft drinks and snacks to raise funds and had several comments made to me regarding the possible sale. Most sales were to families and some single adults also. From what I was told by the adults, many were in favor but wanted close control of the product.
Chuck Gerst
Signal Hill
I recently read your Thoughts from the Publisher column regarding ads for medical marijuana dispensaries. I have to say I agree that as the owner/publisher of the Signal Tribune you have the absolute right to sell ad space to any licensed business you want. Let me repeat that, any LICENSED business you want to.
I know several years ago the citizens of California voted on a proposition allowing for the use and sale of medical marijuana, but at this point it is still against the law according to federal statute. Also, up to this point, there are no regulations regarding the location of a medical marijuana dispensary, hours of operation, or quality of product. Until they are licensed, aren’t they just drug dealers with an excuse?
There needs to be state regulations regarding the store locations, like not within 1,000 feet of a school, quality of product, where the product can be purchased for resale, and what tax should be placed on it. Certainly the same tax that applies to cigarettes should apply to marijuana, and that tax be paid to the state.
And then when it is regulated and taxed, shouldn’t the same surgeon general’s warning regarding cancer be on each package? After all, marijuana causes cancer in the same way tobacco does.
Then, when all of the regulations regarding sales of medical marijuana are established, shouldn’t it then be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist? You wouldn’t want to fill your prescriptions from an unqualified individual, would you? You wouldn’t see a podiatrist for a cardiac problem.
Keep up the good work as I enjoy reading your paper every week.
Steve Mack
Signal Hill
