BEHIND THE UNCERTAINTY

According to the Times-Herald, "there are between nine and more than
a dozen" medical marijuana dispensary outlets presently operating in
Vallejo ("Pot shops, sales tax occupy City Council", May 22). Why the
uncertainty regarding the total number of facilities? Simple. Because
unlike other licensed business establishments, these facilities
operate outside the purview of local regulations.

On this matter the City Council only has itself to blame. Members
have had years to authorize regulations governing the practices of
these operations, including where and how many can operate in
Vallejo. Other area cities, such as Oakland, Sebastopol, Berkeley,
and San Jose, have enacted local zoning and business guidelines
overseeing the establishment of cannabis dispensaries. These cities
require dispensaries to pay local licensing fees and that mandate
that providers adhere to state and local sales tax laws. Why have
members of the Vallejo City Council not done the same?

The proliferation of such facilities in Vallejo is illustrative of
local market demand. Proposed attempts by the council to ban these
establishments will not mitigate this demand and will only drive
customers and consumers underground. A better alternative is to
recognize that these facilities are a part of Vallejo's economy and
to require them to engage in "best practices" and to adhere to local
zoning and community standards. It's time for the council to stop
kicking the can further down the road and to treat these facilities
like any other commercial enterprise.

Paul Armentano

Vallejo