Disappointed by Belmont cannabis shop

Calling them “cannabis dispensaries” gives the impression of a scientific or medical decision, when in reality it reflects the ongoing effort of cities and counties to generate new tax revenue, despite the long-term health effects remaining unclear.

We have not learned from our experience with tobacco. The U.S. government once promoted cigarettes before the health consequences were understood, then spent decades reversing course —taxing, restricting and prosecuting tobacco companies for the damage done. The harm to public health was immeasurable.

What we do know today is that smoking marijuana irritates the lungs, edibles can lead to accidental overdoses, heavy use among teenagers is risky, and high-potency THC may contribute to anxiety or psychosis in vulnerable individuals.

Neighboring Redwood City’s six dispensaries generate about $1 million in tax revenue — only a small fraction of its roughly $200 million city budget. It would be worthwhile to understand at what policing cost this revenue comes, and what impact it may have on the health of our young people, who are already experiencing increased anxiety and other mental-health challenges.

Oscar López-Guerra 

San Mateo