Yet, this new profound freedom has raised some concerns for
the citizens of Washington. From zoning regulations to the effects it will have
on the youth population, these issues must be addressed before moving forward.
Each city in Washington has decided to handle marijuana
businesses differently. Seattle and Shoreline are already moving ahead with
zoning and other local rules. Kent and University Place, however, are not. In
fact, there may be many cities who do not welcome the legal marijuana business
into their limits—and they will do so by not zoning for these businesses.
"I don't think an individual or the state has the right
to force us into welcoming pot commerce."
--Steve Victor, University Place
The Seattle City Council is planning to adopt new zoning
rules later this month that will provide guidelines for having marijuana retailers
near youth venues. By setting strict restrictions on retailers the City Council
will be able to regulate the amount of businesses allowed in the area.
While Seattle is already home to over 150 medical marijuana
businesses, the main issue however still remains on how the federal government
will dictate the new legalization. City officials are worried about losing
their federal grants and having their employees prosecuted if they allow the
regulation of marijuana. Since state laws cannot change federal government
standards this issue is still up for debate.
Ultimately, however, the courts will determine how things
will play out. Things seem to be moving in the right direction for Washington
and the other states going through the legalization process. Like all major
changes, it becomes a balancing act of outweighing the pros and cons of each
issue. By addressing all of the concerns in the beginning, the overall outcome
will result in an easier transition into the legalization process.
