City of Compton MarijuanaComplete Ban Petition

Local cities are rushing to enact local ordinances in advance of the November 2016 statewide vote on the Marijuana Initiative. Why? By enacting local legislation, a city versus the state will be able in the future to regulate marijuana within their city limits. More than 200 of California’s 482 cities have already moved to enact complete bans.

Compton needs to also move to introduce and vote to enact emergency legislation as other cities have already done. The problem in Compton, however, is there are forces within the City of Compton seeking to benefit from the marijuana business who are not interested in enacting a full and complete ban, but a partial ban. This is rumored to include a prominent politician and her husband which some allege seek to profit from secret ownership and promotion of the marijuana industry.

A full and complete ban is in the best interest of progress and change in the City of Compton as defined by its residents. Compton is notorious worldwide for its name association with gangs, drugs, and violence. Compton families have suffered decades of abuse due to drug-related violence, theft, murder, death, mayhem, and criminal and gang activity. Promotion of the marijuana business will bring additional crime, violence, theft, robbery, home invasion, illegal vices such as prostitution and human-trafficking, and the reputation of Compton once again being seen as a drug center for outsiders. In the 1970s-1990s, outsiders used to regularly come to Compton seeking drugs. Investment in the marijuana business will bring this same activity back once again.

In addition, law enforcement and city regulators who are already overwhelmed will be further taxed. Our neighborhoods who are attempting to be restored to their suburban glory will be sprinkled not only with more liquor stores, convenience stores, but now marijuana and drug businesses. The Compton Unified School District has already complained about drug businesses and their proximity to school campuses. Our children will be sent the wrong message, as the city while encouraging youth drug prevention, also collects drug revenue and taxes. Compton stands to be invaded by outsiders seeking their fortune and a haven to conduct the drug business. Land speculation may develop as growers seek land for cultivation displacing our residents. Worst, by limiting the marijuana business to a few, Compton may be endorsing a glorified syndicate with a monopoly.

This ban will not prohibit recreational users from use or to carry marijuana in statelegalized amounts, nor will it prohibit medical marijuana users from purchasing through other cities.