adieu, green cross

i'm kind of sad about the imminent closing of our neighborhood cannabis club, the green cross, which has been featured in san francisco magazine and the new york times. even though i've never been inside, i pass by the storefront nearly every day and regularly read the window display postings, which often talk about the benefits of medicinal marijuana use or provide updates on the store's battle to exist.

maybe the green cross was initially too successful for its own good. the booming business attracted a few shady folks who allegedly started using nearby streets to resell the pot they'd just bought in the club. while the owner and staff tried valiantly to rectify the situation, the damage had already been done - a very organized and motivated neighborhood group pressured city officials to set in motion a process to establish more stringent regulations for cannabis club operations. and unless they find a new home in a cannabis-friendly "green zone," the green cross will be knocked out of business.

even though i try not to have a nimby attitude, i was really uncomfortable with the young men hanging on the nearby corner, signaling each other with ominous series of whistling. and with the man who glared at me like i'd insulted his mama when i asked him to move his car from in front of the driveway so i could get out. and with the people who'd drive screechin and flyin down the street, stereo bass in full effect. i thought, through the efforts of the green cross staff, the clients and neighbors had achieved a certain peace, but by then the damage had been done.

i wish the green cross staff and patrons the best of luck in finding another suitable location, and hope this has served as a hard and unfortunate learning experience for everyone.