After extensively reviewing the geographic data of the city of Los Angeles, I agree that under no circumstances should medical marijuana dispensaries be permitted to operate within 1,000 feet of where children congregate. The locations where children most frequently gather are school zones and recreation zones, such as parks. On the map below, I have used ArcGIS software to plot the city of Los Angeles. Within the confines of the city, I have clearly plotted every school and every designated recreation zone. Further, I have constructed a 1,000 foot buffer around each point of interest.
After examining the map, it becomes clear that there are hundreds of schools within the city of Los Angeles, not to mention the many recreation areas. These points of interest in the city should remain safe from the negative influences of illegal substances such as marijuana. Children, especially children at the impressionable high school age, should be protected from the temptation of such substances. It is the job of the Los Angeles City Council to ensure the safety and well-being of all Los Angeles city residents.
However, a 1,000 foot buffer zone will by no means eliminate the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries. Referring back to the map, it is clear that while the school and recreation zone buffers eliminate many locations, they do not eliminate all locations. The city of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, spans almost 500 square miles. This statistic, along with the aforementioned map, showcase the variability of possible locations that are far removed from the buffer zones. Los Angeles is immune from the issues of smaller cities, such as San Francisco, in which schools and parks are packed tightly together. Buffer zones are far more controversial in cities characterized by this.
Citizens in need of medical marijuana should continue to be able to fill their prescriptions at local dispensaries. Medical marijuana dispensaries should continue to receive operating permits. The above map proves that such dispensaries can easily operate outside of the 1,000 foot buffer zones. While some establishments will inevitably be forced to shut down or relocate, it is in the greater interest of the city as a whole to approve the removal of dispensaries within 1,000 feet of areas where children frequently congregate.
Ultimately, the cost of this initiative will fall primarily on those dispensaries that are forced to shut down or move. While this will be unfortunate for the businessman/woman, they will be able to find an alternate location to operate within the city. The above map showcases the many alternate locations available. Other groups who might be negatively affected are those who need to fill prescriptions, and may be forced to find a new dispensary. In contrast, this initiative will benefit the entire city and its residents as a whole. The negative influence and temptation for children will be removed. Parents will be able to safely take their children to parks without the fear of observing potheads wandering the streets. In a city as expansive as Los Angeles, there is no reason for marijuana outlets to operate in locations where children are often present. This initiative will, in the end, make the streets safer for all city residents.
In closing, the above map shows that medical marijuana dispensaries can operate in regions that are 1,000 feet away from school and recreation zones. I do not advocate shutting down and removing all dispensaries, just those that are a threat to our younger children.
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