As any city knows, shutting down illegal marijuana dispensaries is tricky business. As soon as one closes down, another pops up, continuing a frustrating game of cat and mouse. But it looks like one city has finally figured out how to beat the pot sellers at their own game.
According to Riverside City Attorney Neil Okazaki, Riverside officials have shut down every single pot dispensary in the city. The last pot shop was closed on May 12.
Riverside banned pot dispensaries through its zoning code in 2007. Since then, it has shut down 118 shops, including 16 that opened in the wake of Prop 64. It’s an impressive feat. Even more impressive is how it’s done.
Riverside officials use weedmaps.com, a website that helps marijuana users find dispensaries and other marijuana services nearby. In addition to daily tips from residents, city attorneys are able to monitor where pot shops have opened up through the site.
Reactions have been mixed. Some residents and business owners praise the city for keeping their communities pot free; others see it as a waste of taxpayer dollars. In any case, it’s a lead many other cities wish to follow.