While walking along Melrose Ave in LA yesterday, I was struck by the look of various medical marijuana dispensaries. Some thoughts-
Positive MMD
A professional, clean, well-lit storefront looks great for a MMD- it makes you look legitimate and businesslike. The interesting front window, with it’s display showing and describing the benefits of MM use was also nice.
Also, the city is running a billboard campaign “Marijuana Works” to support MM use. Each billboard features a person who uses marijuana- older, younger, male, female, athlete, scholar, cubicle drone, whatever. They are labeled as “A Typical Stoner.” It lists their age, occupation, first name and picture, plus a bit about them, and ends with the tag line “Marijuana Works.” They are well-done and I like them.
Negative MMD
Your dingy, nondescript doorway strewn with garbage doesn’t exactly scream “legitimate business.” It seems furtive and, well, illegal. Also, if you want to be seen as a legitimate business, you might consider changing your hours. Noon to midnight are junkie hours, and if you claim to be a legal business, you might try acting like one.
Also, the actual marijuana smoke drifting out onto Melrose was a bit uncool. I mean, I fully support your right to purchase medical marijuana, as well as your right to smoke it. However, I don’t want you smoking it right next to me (had enough to last me a lifetime, thanks!), and if it were my MMD, I don’t think I’d allow patrons to use on my premises. I think it moves the MMD away from “legit business enterprise” and off towards “opium den and I hope we don’t get busted.”
Any thoughts on the dispensaries in your area?