After a lengthy period of public statements and some respectful disagreements between members of the Culver City Council, a vote passed 4-1 which will tentatively allow three retail cannabis outlets in Culver City.
Members of the public expressed concerns that there will be an increase in crime with the introduction of “pot shops,” and that children and teenagers will be exposed to bad elements. Albert Vera, who is running for city council, questioned the need to rush a decision when the public hasn’t been given fair opportunity to review the facts. He compared the need for an extension period to that afforded to the public regarding the Inglewood Oil Field’s recent Environmental Impact Report.
Council Member Meghan Sahli-Wells keenly pointed out that, as a mother of two teenagers, she has as much reason as anyone to be weary of the retail outlets, but that she in fact prefers to know that the substances are being restricted, monitored, and driving illegal dealers out of business.
Of course, there will be age restrictions when purchasing cannabis, as there are with alcohol. The retail outlets will also be a minimum of 600 feet away from schools, playgrounds, parks and daycare centers.
Both Sahli-Wells and Mayor Jeffrey Cooper stressed that the hearings began in February, the information is very clear and plainly laid out (unlike the huge Inglewood Oil Field EIR document), and that the public has had many opportunities to comment. This vote hasn’t been rushed at all.
Local business owner Elizabeth Ostermann spoke of the many veterans and sick people that cannabis helps, as well as her love for Culver City, while Samuel Appel asked that protection for workers in the cannabis industry be carefully considered.
Carlene Brown stood up to point out the need to drive out the institutional racism inherent in the war on drugs and the Jeff Sessions-led campaign against marijuana. Those thoughts were echoed by Sahli-Wells.
Daniel Lee, who is also running for city council, pointed out that the use of the word “overdose” can be misleading when talking about cannabis, as it doesn’t carry the risks that overdosing on drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or even prescription medication can carry.
Both Council Members Jim Clarke and Goran Eriksson voiced concerns about rushing the vote, while pointing out that neighborhoods who don’t want dispensaries shouldn’t be forced to have them.
