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I trained as a journalist, then as an urban planner, then I worked as a writer and editor then as a planner. I learned to teach yoga, make quilts, do Photoshop, design websites and use MailChimp.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

City regulating pot dispensaries

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/oceanside/article_68c45156-b961-5ef7-bfe1-f7aa9786b859.html?mode=comments&page=1


My take on this issue relates to the inexorable progression of demographics.

Baby boomers beginning this summer start to reach 65. And as any senior knows there is really nothing medicine can do about some of the physical sensations that go with the age bracket: arthritis, abdominal and digestive issues, and so on.

Just ask anyone you know over 65. Read up on what to do about arthritis: exercise, aspirin etc. Those are helpful, but don't fully solve the problems for many.

Anyhow. anyone over 65 or 70 knows that taking very much traditional prescription pain medication doesn't help much, has many side effects and is even looked upon and rationed with suspicion by the doctor, who is worried about the regulations surrounding controlled substances.

There are even people in doctor's offices and hospitals who will subtly suggest use of marijuana. (Better than alcohol plus prescription pills for the liver).

So watch as the dispensaries begin getting the arthritic baby boomers in attendance and see the attitudes change!

I have also noted that something else that cities used to work on regulating via land use and zoning laws, massage establishments, has been taken by the state legislature out of the purview of local government. Massage therapists who are approved by a professional association are now outside the abilities of local government to regulate!

Cities need to look at what the real issues are: Is it creating bad looking neighborhoods? That can be controlled with zoning regulations for location and signs. People using the businesses illegally? This can be controlled with policing and/or requiring private security. The massage therapist model could be followed by requiring some certification as to knowledge and ethics.

The ultimate ambiguity in the paper is that the North County Times offers a full set of advertising to dispensaries!

As the population ages you will see, as you drive by the whole situation will change. The kids will move on to better things and the seniors will seek out another form of alternative therapy.

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