LETTER: Citrus Heights should welcome cannabis dispensaries

*Editor’s note: Letters received are in response to our Feb. 18 article: Citrus Heights seeks input from residents on cannabis dispensaries, tax

By Forrest Means, Citrus Heights–
As a service-disabled veteran, cannabis has been pivotal for my mental health. Yet, in Citrus Heights, despite cannabis being legal, the absence of local dispensaries forces me to undertake lengthy trips to Sacramento for access. This not only consumes time but also adds physical and financial burdens, detracting from the wellness cannabis provides.

Citrus Heights stands at a crossroads, where allowing dispensaries could significantly benefit local economy through tax revenue, and more importantly, improve access to an essential health service for many, including veterans like myself. Dispensaries offer more than just cannabis; they provide knowledgeable support and a stigma-free environment for those seeking relief through medicinal cannabis.

The city’s exploration into permitting dispensaries is a step in the right direction. It acknowledges the changing landscape of cannabis as not just a recreational substance but as a crucial component of many residents’ healthcare regimens. This move towards inclusivity and support can strengthen our community, making vital services accessible locally and keeping tax dollars within Citrus Heights.

I urge the City of Citrus Heights and its residents to consider the broader implications of our cannabis policy. By welcoming dispensaries, we’re not just enhancing convenience; we’re fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and economically vibrant community. Let’s bring our support and tax dollars back home, making Citrus Heights a place that truly caters to the well-being of all its residents.

More letters:

Local cannabis measure should go on ballot
As someone who is a cannabis user, I believe having dispensaries in the City of Citrus Heights will be convenient for those users, as well as keep our tax dollars in the city. From my experience, user range in ages from 18 to people in their 80’s. People who use edibles, medicinals as well as smoke cannabis for a variety of medical and non-medical reasons. People from all walks of life, construction, professional, lawyers, etc. The thought that these people will bring an increase in crime because there is a dispensary is ridiculous and shows that the City Council really hasn’t done their homework and are letting their personal bias get in the way. I support this subject being placed on the ballot for the citizens of Citrus Heights to decide.
-Raymond Vasquez

Cannabis should be available in Citrus Heights
In regards to legalizing cannabis in Citrus Heights, I think it should be available to buy in Citrus Heights. I used to smoke it but have since quit. But my opinion is that if someone wants it, they’re going to get it. Either on the streets or from a legal dealer/store. In the article, it stated that the city doesn’t need the tax, but they will be missing out on it because, as I said, folks WILL get it from somewhere. And, with all the cases of fentanyl lately, buying from a legal source will lessen the chance of someone getting some bad stuff. So who knows, maybe it’ll save a life.
But going off topic here, but still on the topic of taxes for the city, I think the City of Citrus Heights really messed up by not rebuilding Sunrise Mall, maybe adding a second of third story on it and revitalizing it. I know you’re missing out on the taxes for that.
-Nick Jarrell, Fair Oaks

Let voters decide cannabis policy
If the City Council believes that citizens living in Citrus Heights are not partaking in using cannabis, they would be wrong. Those individuals who use cannabis obtain it outside the city limits which takes our tax dollars that could be used to fund more police, fix roads, deal with the homeless, etc out of our city. Regardless of what the City Council’s personal beliefs are about this, they were voted in to represent the residents that live in our city, and those residents should be given the opportunity to vote on this. While I do not partake in cannabis, many people, young, old, healthy, unhealthy do. It is not a drug that leads to crime. Therefore, the City Council should let the voters of Citrus Heights decide by having this put on the ballot.

*The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No other letters were received on this topic. Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here