Stockton's First Pot Dispensary Set To Open
STOCKTON (CBS13) -- A new medical marijuana dispensary is opening Tuesday in Stockton, and it's the first in that city.
They're still putting the finishing touches on this place before the opening -- no name on the storefront -- but for people looking for medical marijuana, this place has their number.
This Fremont Street office building will house Port City Health and Wellness inside Suite 420, marijuana's well known numerical code.
Mike Rishwain is part-owner and legal counsel of the facility.
"What we're trying to promote is that this is not just a pot house," he said. "This is a health and wellness facility."
After years of watching California's marijuana debate, Stockton is now in it, approving an ordinance that allows one dispensary to open for every 100,000 residents.
That makes for three dispensaries total, but this is the first to open.
The dispensary is opening up next to a water company, where employees have been warned.
"It probably will (change the environment) only because of the dynamics of the people coming in and out," said California Water employee James Rolle
Those who pay there water bills there had mixed reactions.
"I don't think the children and young men and women of Stockton are capable of handling a marijuana dispensary," one man said.
But another said "it's time" a dispensary was available.
Stockton is the only city in San Joaquin County to legalize dispensaries. Medical marijuana users have been forced to travel for their treatment.
This dispensary will open with 16 employees, and each had to pass a Stockton Police background check.
The dispensary will have to pay up to keep running. The city of Stockton receives $30,000 a year for a permit, plus 2.5 percent of gross revenue.
