Some time back the city of Baltimore "legalized" marijuana. I put that in italics because it remains a federal crime, a felony to use, possess or sell that particular weed. I'm not going to enter into any discussion concerning whether it should or should not have been authorized for use. That argument/discussion ended a long time ago. So, having made that as a thriving business, generating a good deal of tax revenue for the city and state, smoke shops have been popping up. So many that local residents have begun complaining about them. The Baltimore city council is considering taking up the discussion and placing limitations on these shops.
The proposed discussion is in establishing a set distance between these smoke/vape shops. The thinking in doing so is to prevent them from becoming urban blight. But blight isn't the real terminology to describe the problem, the building are occupied alright, but the street begins to look more like a "strip" than a street. It is the nature of the business, and the consumers it attracts, that is the problem. There are situations were this inclusiveness and diversity degrades property values and in short, gives the neighborhood a bad name. That is exactly what the citizens of some Baltimore neighborhoods are complaining about to the city council.
Some years back in the city of Baltimore there was a street, Baltimore Steet. It was known for the bars, clubs and "company" one could obtain there. It was a sort of 42nd street, like New York City has. To anyone that was ever in the service and went overseas it was reminiscent of those ports of call. Usually associated with the seedier side of the city, neon signs, large billboards and crowded streets and bars. It's an enticing environment, full of promise for those seeking, should we call it, unethical consumption? No place for saints there, only sinners.
That street has been closed down over the years as the residents became concerned with all of that. The city began to focus on law enforcement in that area. It was certainly justified. Crime and immorality are bedfellows, no denying that. All manner of illegal activity was centered on that particular block. It was simply called, the block. I think most cities and larger towns have one. I was always told, just ask a cab driver. Today I suppose an Ober driver would have that same information.
Now the city of Baltimore is being faced with a resurgence of that same activity being concentrated in certain areas. In my view they should have seen that coming, it is what I would have expected given the nature of the business. Really no different than alcohol in that regard, what we now call Alcohol Abuse Disorder, often leads to the same environmental/sociological issues as the proliferation of these smoke shops. But this time they are attempting to prevent that by placing restrictions on the location of those establishments. You aren't going to change the behavior , so let's just spread it out. Yes, a great plan indeed. The same people that protested, held rallies and fundraisers, imploring and demanding their legislators legalize all of that, are the ones now saying, not in my neighborhood.
I'm amused by this as it really comes as no surprise to me at all. I was amused when they tried to convince me that those smoking marijuana were generally just the hard working upstanding citizens in the city. This legalization would simply destigmatize that usage, could be regulated and controlled, and provide a new revenue stream. That revenue stream would, of course, be used for the children, for education, to provides much needed services to the underserved members of our society. In fact, it was really a Christian act! It's no worse than alcohol!
Guess they forgot about Baltimore street and the others strips around the city where alcohol was the fuel for that activity. Alcohol created Baltimore street. And now, they are surprised that smoke shops are doing the same thing. They are also surprised that "vaping" another popular activity they endorsed is now causing health issues with our youth. Who could have foreseen that inhaling flavored vapor into your lungs would be a bad thing. They are also certain that smoking marijuana will not lead people to using other drugs. There is no evidence to suggest that! And besides, you can just get chewable products, or even brownies.
All that is completely safe, fine, no problem. All of that is fine, just not in my neighborhood, at least not enough to make you notice anyway. A single low key smoke shop, tastefully decorated is fine. We don't want to give the wrong impression. This is a wholesome family orientated environment. Sure we enjoy using those products but we would rather you didn't know about it. We have it all under control. If we simply spread it out over the entire city it won't be as noticeable. How far apart must those shops be? I haven't heard any suggestions about that but at least a few blocks seems reasonable, doesn't it? Well, as long as we ensure there is transportation available to get those patrons there, we have to be concerned with the underserved, marginalized people in the city as well. What we really need to is a city HOA type situation. You can't do that here. But it only applies to to certain businesses or activities. It just depends.
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