Marijuana might one day be sold at a store near a District Metro station. And it would be perfectly legal.
The D.C. Council recently passed a law allowing five medical marijuana clinics in the city.
One proposed location is the Takoma Wellness Center in the Takoma area of D.C. It would occupy a vacant law office on Blair Road. Years ago, the building was a brothel. To many, a medical marijuana clinic would be a step up.
"I think it's a great idea, because I'm not into pharmaceutical drugs and often times they don't even work," said Hyattsville resident Melinda Powell.
But the location -- two blocks from the Takoma Metro station, next to a liquor store and right across from a small park known as a hangout for drunks -- has others worried:
"If there's going to be considerable traffic in and out of the area and if it's bringing in shady people in and out," said Naveed Chaudhry, a neighborhood resident.
Opponents say medical marijuana should be dispensed out of a medical building, not next to a Chinese carry-out. They note Coolidge High School students taking the Metro will walk right by it. They also worry it will attract criminals.
"That will encourage drug activity other than what it's meant for," said Wanda Harrison, a neighborhood resident.
But the couple behind the venture, Rabbi Jeffrey Kahn and his wife, Stephanie, a nurse, insist they will follow all rules and regulations, including having an armed off-duty police officer on site. Supporters say only card-carrying patients can get in.
"It's for specific illnesses; it's for registered patients only," said Faith Wheeler, the ANC Commissioner.
Stephanie Kahn says her father had MS and helped by medical marijuana.
All the debate could be premature, however. Congress has until Friday to decide whether to overturn D.C.'s medical marijuana law altogether.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: NewsChannel 8
Author: Markham Evans
Contact: NewsChannel 8
Copyright: 2010 WJLA/NewsChannel 8
Website: Proposed Medical Marijuana Clinic Site Draws Protest
The D.C. Council recently passed a law allowing five medical marijuana clinics in the city.
One proposed location is the Takoma Wellness Center in the Takoma area of D.C. It would occupy a vacant law office on Blair Road. Years ago, the building was a brothel. To many, a medical marijuana clinic would be a step up.
"I think it's a great idea, because I'm not into pharmaceutical drugs and often times they don't even work," said Hyattsville resident Melinda Powell.
But the location -- two blocks from the Takoma Metro station, next to a liquor store and right across from a small park known as a hangout for drunks -- has others worried:
"If there's going to be considerable traffic in and out of the area and if it's bringing in shady people in and out," said Naveed Chaudhry, a neighborhood resident.
Opponents say medical marijuana should be dispensed out of a medical building, not next to a Chinese carry-out. They note Coolidge High School students taking the Metro will walk right by it. They also worry it will attract criminals.
"That will encourage drug activity other than what it's meant for," said Wanda Harrison, a neighborhood resident.
But the couple behind the venture, Rabbi Jeffrey Kahn and his wife, Stephanie, a nurse, insist they will follow all rules and regulations, including having an armed off-duty police officer on site. Supporters say only card-carrying patients can get in.
"It's for specific illnesses; it's for registered patients only," said Faith Wheeler, the ANC Commissioner.
Stephanie Kahn says her father had MS and helped by medical marijuana.
All the debate could be premature, however. Congress has until Friday to decide whether to overturn D.C.'s medical marijuana law altogether.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: NewsChannel 8
Author: Markham Evans
Contact: NewsChannel 8
Copyright: 2010 WJLA/NewsChannel 8
Website: Proposed Medical Marijuana Clinic Site Draws Protest
