Maui Waui And Your Veterinarian?

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd say the following words, "we've got potential pot problems at our pet  hospital." As everyone probably knows, it is now legal to dispense marijuana for medical purposes here in Colorado. I never really paid much attention to the hoop-la surrounding it  until I saw that a new marijuana dispensary has opened up right next door to our pet hospital (yes, the universe just keeps handing us these little goodies). We were stunned to see the sign outside (apparently there are few to no zoning restrictions for these dispensaries so surrounding businesses do not need to be notified when they've moved in).

Now I'm not going to get involved in all the political and philosophical controversies regarding marijuana usage. As a cancer survivor myself, I understand and agree with the need to help patients with their pain and side effects of chemotherapy. However, I am concerned about how this may impact our business. We are located smack dab in the middle of a residential area (the local elementary school is just up the road). We advertise ourselves as a family practice rooted in the community, but I wonder how the community feels about getting Fido's vaccinations while college students are getting their ganja right next door?

Let's face it, there will be people who buy the marijuana for something other than medical purposes. Ever since marijuana has been legalized, dispensaries are popping up all over the city like weeds (pun intended). As it stands right now, it seems fairly easy to obtain a medical marijuana card (most dispensaries can set same day appointments to see a "medical marijuana doctor" and from what I've heard, hardly anyone is refused). In fact, one can even apply for a marijuana card online (I found this out from reading hot tips from the "Pot Doc").

So here's my question...how much do you think this will impact our business? What, if anything, can we do to address this problem? Should we work to get this dispensary to move to a location farther away from residential areas and schools? Will we lose clients because of concerns over personal safety? I have no clear answers, but I can tell you that it makes me very nervous when I think about the many controlled substances we have on site at our facility. So I appeal to all of you out there.....help please!!!!!!!

--Dana

Comments

[Chris]

I live right not too far from your clinic Dana and recently found out about this dispensary as well.

My capitalist side says you should start selling brownies in the parking lot:)

But seriously I did think about you guys and how this may affect your business. I suppose some clients may be put off by it and stop coming, however it isn't obvious to someone that the place is a pot dispensary (I walked by it and saw their sign and didn't realize what it is, the name of the place didn't indicate to me that they are a pot dispensary). So the number of your clients who will realize on their own what the place is I think will be somewhere between few and none.

Secondly as a frequent consumer of vet care I can say it would take a lot to make me stop going to the vets I already trust and like. I think only if I thought my safety might be compromised by going to their office that I might stop going there.

I'm curious what you have seen so far in terms of how the presence of this business has actually affected things in your area?

My impression is that there will be a relatively small number of unsavory characters that patronize these places who could potentially do unsavory things in the parking lot that your clients would see and worry about.

So I have two suggestions, first place a camera(s) on your building/property that monitor both your parking area and to the extent possible the parking area of the pot dispensary. Place the monitor of it in your receptionist area and have your staff keep an eye on it to the extent possible. Train them on what kinds of things to look for that your clients would find unpleasant, come up with a plan about what they should do if they see that type of activity. And then go introduce yourself to the owner of the place, express your concerns and see what each of you can do to me good business neighbors.

Then eat a brownie.

[Laurel]

I don't think anyone really saw this coming, Dana. We have had several long, in-depth stories in our local newspaper about all the new marijuana businesses in our community. The owners of the dispensaries who have been interviewed have ranged from very serious, dedicated members of the health care community to those who are more or less "winking" at readers as they say all the right things about being a legitimate business while knowing they are finally allowed to openly sell drugs.

For me, the best analogy I've been able to come up with is a business that shares our office building. This business monitors folks who've been picked up one too many times for drunk driving, etc., and now must check in with this agency in order to get their driver's license back. While I support the agency's work and am happy someone is willing to do it, none of us who work in our office is pleased with the caliber of people who are in and out of there all day and well into the evening. Sometimes they're just plain scary...

So, I've personally always thought marijuana should be legalized just as alcohol is legal. However, it's one of those things that I don't want in my own "backyard". I wouldn't really want my office next to a bar and likewise wouldn't be thrilled about being next to a pot dispensary. Both bars and dispensaries simply change the tone of the building...

The truth is that if you were shopping for a location for your vet clinic, you wouldn't choose a space that had neighbors you weren't thrilled with...now you're well established where you are and have no real control over who moves in beside you.

The first thing I would do is talk with your landlord and see what leverage you might have...will you move out if your landlord renews their lease...it might matter to him or her, especially if you and other tenants band together on it. Also, there are so many of these businesses springing up that they won't all be able to make it...perhaps your neighbor won't even be there in a few months or will move to a more visible location.

Finally, is there any way you could use it to your advantage in a humorous way? "Is your doggie longing for a doobie? After you've taken him to ??? Dispensary, stop by our vet clinic for a complete medical checkup and a biscuit card...." Poor example, but you get the idea!

[Dana]

I like your thinking and creativity Chris and Laurel. You both make excellent suggestions and I will heed your advice. I'll work on the humor thing...where there is a will, there is a way.

[turtlecookie]

I like the suggestions of using humor and also of getting to know your new neighbor. I have not felt uncomfortable with our "new" neighbors at WbtT, but it did change the feel of our space somewhat to have them there. Like Laurel, I support the idea of medical marijuana (and also think it should be legal and taxed like alcohol.)

However, I have a friend whose neighbor is a medical marijuana grower and it has been a challenge for her and her family. Cars coming and going at all hours, mostly young men, a neighbor who is paranoid and unfriendly and probably not completely on the up and up with his "business." So, on the plus side, while you are in a residential neighborhood, you are also in an office building. Perhaps your new neighbors will conduct themselves like a business and will be willing to work with you cooperatively to keep things running smoothly. It would not be in their best interests to have complaints against them, possibly resulting in not having their lease renewed or in having new city ordinances restricting them. Having a camera, as Chris suggested, would be helpful in both deterence and also in having "proof" of a problem should problems come up.

I am sorry you are having to deal with this on top of the string of bad luck you had recently (with plumbing and all.) Good luck to you. I hope your new neighbors are willing to behave in a good-neighborly fashion.

Turtlecookie

P.S. As Chris said, if I had a vet I trusted and liked, I would stay with that vet unless things got really, really uncomfortable. I would talk to my vet if that became a problem. Hopefully you won't have a problem.

[Tammy]

The laws in Oregon are quite different than Colorado. OR is one of the 14 states that does have legal medical marijuana. However, dispensaries are NOT allowed. If you are a registered cardholder, you must be self-sufficient. This means, either you grow for yourself, or you have a designated, registered grower. There can be NO exchange of money. But, registered cardholders/growers can freely give medicine to other registered people.

There are problems with each set up. I happen to like Oregon's way a bit better I think because it eliminates problems, or potential problems that you are worried about, Dana.

I agree with Laurel though - I personally think marijuana should be legalized like alcohol, with restrictions or taxes. The grey area of medical vs. non-medical is too great, and there are too many problems created by this. (It is still federally illegal, no matter what the state laws are.)

I hope you don't have any problems. I don't think you will. People who are using MMJ are likely to be pretty mellow folks! :)