Poll: Keep retail pot shops out of Petaluma

Respondents in an online Argus-Courier poll said Petaluma should not allow retail cannabis shops within city limits. California voters approved Proposition 64 this month, which legalizes marijuana. Local jurisdictions have the authority to set policy around retail sales of cannabis, when stores begin operating in 2018.

Here are some comments:

“Absolutely do not allow cannabis shops in Petaluma. If you want to keep the city clean, keep the cannabis out.”

“Downtown already reeks of marijuana smoke. It is so bad to have to inhale second hand smoke. Don’t make it easier to buy then smoke in heavily concentrated areas of people. It’s awful and will only get worse if weed shops are approved.”

“For recreational and medicinal users alike, this would be a boon. However I hope only a small number of retail licenses are issued, and the number of licenses issued is decided upon based on population density.”

“If Petaluma does not allow pot shops in town, the other surrounding cities will get the tax money and Petaluma will be left out in the cold with no money to replace our aging infrastructure. It is going to be legal so why not?”

“Petaluma already has enough risks to our youths’ lives. Allowing pot will increase motor vehicle accidents and deaths. How much is just too much?”

“Petaluma will be making a costly mistake if they don’t allow pot shops in town. Our roads are in desperate need of repair. Perhaps tax revenue can be set aside solely for road repairs.”

“The strong majority Petaluma vote in favor of this new law makes clear what Petalumans want. We want it regulated, legal and local.”