Co-founder Tanner Mariani looks over bags of marijuana buds that fill the showroom of the Portland Cannabis Market in Portland in 2023.

Redmond, here come pot shops. That is, if you decide you want them.

The Redmond City Council voted this month to let voters vote in November on a few things.

Do they want to keep the ban on marijuana dispensaries in Redmond? That is an advisory vote to suggest the direction for the Redmond City Council to act.

Do they want to approve a 3% tax on marijuana sales that would go into effect if dispensaries are allowed? Such a local tax requires voter approval.

Do they want a two-year ban on psilocybin service centers in the city limits?

Is Redmond ready for these changes? Do voters want them?

Maybe the best argument for allowing them is that people do want access to the drugs. They are already in use. And having them available in Redmond makes it more convenient for those people.

If they can’t get them in Redmond, it also means they may be driving to Bend or elsewhere. Some other town may get the economic activity and any tax revenue. The city of Redmond believes a 3% local sales tax on marijuana may bring in $100,000 a year.

There are plenty of arguments against allowing them in Redmond, too.

Are these changes a necessity? No.

Is it possible that children will be more exposed to the drugs or gain easier access to them? Yes.

Is a community truly better off because people have better access to these drugs? We can’t answer that.

Any changes may also mean more of a burden for law enforcement in Redmond. It would be a cultural signal, as well, for what people in Redmond feel is acceptable.

We are not going to tell anyone in Redmond how they should vote. Please do vote.

There is more information in this article in The Redmond Spokesman: tinyurl.com/Redmondpot