The east side San Diego suburb of La Mesa is only eight percent black. So not many are likely to complain about how it refers to its illicit market. What does preoccupy locals and watchers from all over around the state is that the new laws of La Mesa — which will open the doors for now-illicit dispensaries — might just foreshadow the future of progressive cannabis policy.
NBC San Diego
- Law enforcement reportedly shut down 26 illegal dispensaries in the suburb last year. Presently 17 dispensary owners have applied for licenses, and all could be approved in an effort to kill the local illegal dispensary market.
- A number of earlier applicants are likely to be leapfrogged. “It could be the Wild Wild West here in La Mesa,” said Scott McDerrmott, owner of the San Diego State-adjacent town’s sole dispensary, to the surprise of no one.
