From: Terri Cook
To: City Council
Subject: cannabis
Date: Monday, July 24, 2023 3:56:05 PM
Honorable Mayor and Council:
I have been following the recent Council discussions and study sessions regarding the potential of creating provisions for cannabis retail in Belmont, and see that it is the subject of a study session at tomorrow’s meeting. I have been a little reluctant to pipe in on this discussion until now and decided maybe it’s time for you to hear from someone who supports this endeavor for Belmont. Mostly I think you’ve heard from the naysayers. I was honestly astounded to listen to some folks at one of your last discussions on this matter. Clearly there is a lot of misinformation out there, and the stigma of cannabis still seems to be pervasive. For goodness sake, “Reefer Madness” was first filmed in 1936!!!! This is 2023!!!
I’ve heard people say that their children should not have to walk by a cannabis store on their way to school, nor should they be located near residences. Well, there is a liquor store in the Carlmont Shopping Center, and all grocery stores and many pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS carry liquor.
Their kids (and especially the high school kids roaming Carlmont Shopping Center) walk by liquor every day. How is this any different? Many people could and likely have walked or driven by a cannabis store without even realizing what it is. There are no flashing lights, no “buy weed here” neon signs. Cannabis establishments are required to have security, and everyone entering must show their driver’s license just to walk in the door. That does not happen at liquor stores.
As someone who has suffered from arthritis for over 50 years, I have been using cannabis products for pain control for a few years. To illustrate my point regarding how innocuous many cannabis establishments are, I’ll share my experiences from 2021, when I experienced foot fractures resulting from side effects of medication. Both of my feet were in surgical boots, although I was able to drive.
One of the closest cannabis stores is in Pacifica – an innocuous little retail shop on a quiet main street lined with multi-unit apartments and other small retail shops. Since this was in the height of the pandemic, many retailers were limiting the number of people allowed in their stores at any one time, and people often stood in line to wait to get in. This was the case at the Pacifica facility. I parked my car across the street. There was a line of probably 10 people. When the security guard saw me “hobble” across the street, he came out on the sidewalk and motioned for me to go to the front of the line. I said it was OK, I could wait. The other people in line encouraged me to go ahead and go in. These were not a bunch of “stoner hippie dudes” acting crazy or high. They were gracious and courteous.
This has been my experience every time I have visited this and other facilities. People behave themselves and the staff is courteous and helpful. The stores are neat and tidy.
Yes, I know I can go on line and order products for delivery. But I like the interaction with knowledgeable staff who can help point me to the right product based on my needs.
Allowing cannabis retail should not just be about revenue, but also providing a service and product that I’m positive many Belmont residents purchase, but I suspect they are leery about speaking out. I would love to be able to drive a mile and keep my tax dollars in Belmont rather than drive 20 miles to another town.
I truly wish these naysayers would visit some of these establishments to see for themselves that they are not the horrid places they think they are. If you are going to comment one way or another on a matter, I think it’s important to educate yourself on all aspects. Last year I spoke with former Councilmember Stone about this. He said he spoke with a naysayer and suggested that person visit a cannabis store to see for themselves, and the person responded with, “why would I do that?” That is very exasperating to me.
Sorry for my long-winded communication, but I wanted to share what I’ve experienced. I recognize there are many complex aspects to this topic, and I trust that this Council will make the best decision that is in the best interest of ALL Belmont residents.
Cordially,
Terri Cook