Letter: Local governments should reverse bans on retail marijuana sales

I’m a proud mother and grandmother. An accountant for an auto repair shop and caregiver for elderly. I was elected “Dedicated Volunteer” in Jefferson County last year. I care about my community and want it to be safe and successful.

I share personal information because I’m a good citizen and a cannabis supporter. There are many others in our communities: doctors, lawyers, judges, teachers. Good citizens support this movement because they know it will benefit their lives/communities.

I’m concerned cities/counties are banning entire industries. In a state where cannabis use/sales are legal, this creates a divide in the community. Low voter turnout seems to be a problem here. Perhaps citizens feel their vote doesn’t matter where decisions are based on a 33 percent local voter turnout, rather than what was voted on and approved across the state? Accept all citizens — a large portion which support cannabis — and you may create a more involved community.

I would like local councils to reevaluate and vote to reverse their bans on cannabis retail. If councils are unwilling to do this, I would like to request an advisory vote on the next ballot, specifically asking voters about retail cannabis within Tri-Cities.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 5:44 PM with the headline "Letter: Local governments should reverse bans on retail marijuana sales."