Re “El Cajon rejects plan for four pot stores” (Feb. 26): Residents applaud the city of El Cajon as it continues to put the health, safety, and welfare of residents above profits. El Cajon is not alone in choosing to prohibit pot shops. Several cities across the county — including Coronado, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Escondido, Poway and San Marcos — have made the same decision. These cities understand that once permitted pot shops are established, the impacts are long-term and difficult to reverse.
Increased commercialization normalizes high-potency products and increases access, particularly affecting young people and vulnerable populations. The potential costs, from impaired driving to mental health harms, are borne by families and first responders.
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells knows and understands these damaging consequences through his professional experience. It would be wise for the county to lean on his level of expertise, as well as other medical providers who understand marijuana-induced psychosis and how it impacts communities.
— Becky Rapp, San Diego