The issues surrounding marijuana dispensaries and their impact on the neighborhoods in which they reside is longstanding. This debate often comes on the back of claims that marijuana dispensaries lead to increased crime near their proximity. Though there could be some legitimacy to this argument, statistics to back up the claim are never at the forefront of the debate. Regardless of these clashing views, an ordinance has been passed requiring dispensaries to reside at least 1,000 feet away from all LA school, libraries, and public parks.
The ordinance requiring a 1000ft buffer seems excessive. As shown on my map above, it is difficult to find a marijuana dispensary that won't have to relocate due to this new ordinance. The heavy limitations of this buffer discourages economic activity that the city of Los Angeles greatly needs today. With the news that the City of Los Angeles having huge problems paying its bills, it is surprising that the city does not choose to better incorporate these businesses that could be taxed for social benefit. Unfortunately this ordinance displays the City of Los Angeles' approach to the purported increase of crime and tasteless activities that take place around these businesses. In addition to the loss of revenue is the loss to medical patients that need the plant for pain and treatment. These patients are going to have a harder time locating a dispensary and potentially addition regulations in the future.
These limited options offered to marijuana dispensaries for locations could also effect rental and land costs. Since there will be such a limited set of locations for the dispensaries to exist, potentially this land could greatly rise in cost to these businesses. This rise in cost could potentially be passed down to the patients who budget medical expenses closely.
I believe the City of Los Angeles needs to re-think their strategy when approaching this problem and consider other options rather than forcing out a potential friend to the community.
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