Pubdate: Wed, 22 Jul 2015
Source: Daily Journal, The (San Mateo, CA)
Copyright: 2015 San Mateo Daily Journal
Contact:  http://www.smdailyjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3778

BAN ON PUBLIC MARIJUANA USE MAKES SENSE

Tucked into the city of San Mateo's new smoking rules is a portion of 
the ordinance that prohibits smoking of marijuana in public. The new 
rules received their first discussion Monday night and will likely 
return to the council soon for adoption.

The ordinance itself is very similar to those in other cities in that 
it restricts smoking in multi-family units, in response to complaints 
about secondhand smoke. It also adds electronic cigarettes and 
marijuana to the definition of smoking and prohibits that in all city 
parks. It also prohibits smoking of marijuana on any public property. 
Medical marijuana can still be smoked in any home.

The prohibition of marijuana smoking in public may seem redundant 
since it's currently against the law, but it gives police the tool 
they need to enforce it. Too often, people who smoke marijuana in 
public can simply pull out a medical marijuana card and say they have 
the right.

To ban it in public is a good step. This is not a judgment on smoking 
marijuana for whatever purpose, whether it be recreational or for 
medical purposes. It's rather support for good public policy that 
promotes responsible use. Most people who use marijuana do so in 
their home, and the new law will continue to allow the medical use 
there. But sometimes, there are people who use it in public and it's 
a nuisance for some, especially those with children who seek to 
protect them from the smell and effects of drugs. Drinking alcohol in 
public is not allowed, and there is no reason for most people to take 
prescription drugs in public though most would do so discreetly if 
they had to. So there is no reason for anyone to smoke marijuana - 
medical or recreational - in public. The new ordinance provides 
police with the authority to ask someone to stop, and that's good 
public policy.

As far as the other new rules, they seem to be in line with other 
ordinances and merely reflect our culture's changing values. Most 
smokers are considerate of others and try to keep their cigarettes 
away from others. Many also collect their butts and put them in the 
trash. But some don't. People have the right to smoke, but when smoke 
from someone else's cigarette affects another's health, it's time for 
some government regulation. Limiting smoking in multi-unit buildings 
with shared walls may seem like overreach for some, but not for the 
person who is living day in and day out with secondhand smoke.

Rules on smoking have developed over time. Non-smoking sections in 
restaurants led to a ban on restaurant smoking. You can no longer 
smoke in bars. There may be a time in which the restrictions will 
further evolve but, for now, these are solid and thoughtful steps 
with an emphasis on public health and safety.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom