At the Bonney Lake planning commission public hearing last Wednesday, the allowing of a recreational marijuana store was a subject of interest. There were several people who spoke, and 2 that spoke twice. One directly challenged my letter from August 16.

I still have not heard a reason why it’s so important to have a recreational marijuana store in Bonney Lake. Buckley is about seven minutes away. At least Buckley has 2 stores, spurring competition. There will be only one in Bonney Lake, so he can charge whatever he wants. This environment does not benefit the consumer.

Medical marijuana is a very different product than recreational marijuana. The store proposed in Bonney Lake is recreational. I assume that they will sell different grades of pot, with varying levels of THC, but it’s foolish to assume that the clerk will be an expert on medical marijuana.

Concerning the effects on learning, here are some published statistics:

In the long term, marijuana will physiologically effect brain development and decrease learning functions. Related to learning, a study showed that marijuana users are “less likely than non-using peers to finish high school or obtain a degree” (Edwards, 2015). If a person is not careful with their recreational use, they can experience different psychological effects, such as: temporary hallucinations, paranoia, worse symptoms in schizophrenia, and disorganized thinking (NIDA, 2017). Also, impaired memory, difficulty thinking and problem solving, changed mood, and altered senses. “Cannabis use is associated with cognitive impairments that persist after abstinence” (Gowin, 2014).

How is any of this a benefit to our community? Tax money should not be a factor in the decision to allow a store in Bonney Lake. That is my opinion.

Brad Doll

Bonney Lake Planning Commissioner