Re “Cannabis sellers, growers approved for unincorporated areas of county” (Jan. 27): Permitting marijuana business in the county’s unincorporated areas will not further the goal of social equity. It will only serve to further victimize minority and marginalized communities already overburdened with smoke shops and liquor stores. Increasing the number of pot businesses will continue this unhealthy trajectory and expose youth to drug normalization. The industry is dominated by big corporations, including big tobacco.
Are we to believe these companies care about African American communities when they spend millions to keep menthol cigarettes on the market? Studies show 85% of African American smokers purchase menthol. They want to preserve that income stream while pursuing new ones.
Kelly McCormick
Carlsbad
Re “‘Lost, forgotten and left behind’: Mount Hope residents turn to each other, new leadership to build community” (Jan. 18): Mount Hope is a community with strong and resilient residents. As they continue to fight for what matters most — jobs, job training programs, a rec center promoting wholesome youth activities and food security — Mount Hope faces yet another insurmountable obstacle.
Gateway Cannabis is applying to locate a marijuana outlet directly in the heart of this community, taking over a three-story building that was home to small businesses and health care clinics. Many residents, community representatives and pastors have spoken out in dismay that an addictive and predatory business would be considered by city officials to locate in their community.
Regardless of residents’ outcry, the marijuana applicant insisted there was nothing the community could do; he was moving forward. Members of the resilient Mount Hope community will continue fighting for their community as they are committed to protecting the most vulnerable.
Becky Rapp
Rancho Bernardo
This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune.
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