Letter: Ban pot shops in Benton County
Pot shops should not be legal in Benton County, especially in areas completely surrounded by city land.
There are no studies showing that communities become safer with legalized pot shops. In fact, the evidence is quite the contrary. Considering the new middle and high schools near the presumed location of the pot shop, I fear for the exposure of our children to this damaging habit.
We shouldn’t endorse smoking weed because it is an addictive and destructive substance. Why tempt our children? A marijuana shop in town will make it easier for children to experiment with pot because of easy access through re-sale hoodlums.
The West Richland City Council has already made the correct decision; now it is time for the Benton County commissioners to also do the right thing.
Luke Whalen, West Richland
This story was originally published September 8, 2017 at 4:38 PM with the headline "Letter: Ban pot shops in Benton County."