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Medical Marijuana Brings Controversy To Ward 4

July 20, 2010
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By Elliott Francis

Residents in D.C.’s portion of Takoma Park met to discuss the possibility of opening a Medical Marijuana clinic near the Takoma Park Metro station.

Only 20 residents showed up for the meeting at the Takoma recreation center, but at times it sounded like many more.

Among the group is Jeffery and Stephanie Kahn. The couple, who live in the neighborhood, have proposed building a medical marijuana clinic on 4th Street Northwest. For Jeffery, tonight has been a hard sell.

"There are really sick people here in Ward 4 who shouldn’t have to travel someplace else for their medicine, who shouldn’t have to worry that they’re 80 years old with cancer and chemotherapy and trying to stay alive," he says.

Some who don’t want the clinic say it will open the door to illegal drug sales in the neighborhood. Without a compromise, tempers flare into a near physical fight between two residents.

Judy Jones doesn’t like the ‘for profit’ component of the clinic, and was part of that confrontation.

The group’s next public meeting is July 26th.

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