Medical marijuana shops are gaining a larger foothold in the U.S. as more and more states legalize the dispensaries. Now, it looks like San Diego is the latest city to approve pot shops after years of debate.
The legalization of medical marijuana is becoming more and more common across the U.S. In fact, Colorado legalized marijuana sales as of Jan. 1, according to USA Today. Since then, marijuana has wound up in edibles, including brownies, cookies and even beef jerky, that are consumed by individuals across the state. Massachusetts also recently awarded the first 20 licenses to operate medical marijuana dispensaries, and even southern states are changing their views on weed.
Now it looks like San Diego has followed suite. The City Council voted 8 to 1 in favor of new zoning laws that allow up to 30 pot shops in some commercial and industrial areas, according to the SF Gate. Yet these new zoning laws allow for far less pot dispensaries than was hoped for. A 2011 zoning plan that was adopted and then rescinded would have allowed for 271 dispensaries throughout the city, according to the LA Times. The new zoning plan states that dispensaries cannot be within 1,000 feet of schools, libraries, churches, parks, child-care facilities and drug and alcohol rehab facilities. They also cannot be near residential areas.
"We firmly believe that once clear regulations are in place, the public will embrace your decision and treat the issue fairly," said Bob Riedel of the Alliance for Responsible Medicinal Access to the council, according to UT San Diego.
The legalization of medical marijuana is a rising trend across the U.S. It's likely that, in the future, we'll see far more states follow in the footsteps of San Diego and other cities and states that have legalized the substance.
Currently, the ordinance must receive approval from the California Coastal Commission. It's expected to make an official decision within 90 days.
