I'm glad folks are starting to realize how important the dope growers are to our day to day lives here in Humboldt. I personally don't smoke herb nor advocate its recreational use, but I do understand that in many ways, it's the driving force for much of Humboldt's commerce. I wonder what ramifications it will have on real state values. I think that with legalization, housing prices will soon fall further in price then they have so far—probably a very good thing for many here who cannot buy a home at the staggering prices they sell for now. Rental housing prices will likely drop too—this could spell the end for many Humboldt landlords and slumlords alike. Many houses in Humboldt are rented for the sole reason for growing herb, not for shelter. California farmers could soon grow hemp finally. That could be a huge value that would have positive ramifications (good for farmers, good for land use, good for making clothes, rope, shoes etc). The mega-agribusiness will kill local herb production. They will have the tools to produce it, dry it, cut it, and certainly market it. Glad folks are thinking about this. Weed matters and it don't matter if you like the idea or not.
Re: “... and after Wal-Mart”
I read this story yesterday (WednesdayJune21) and decided to walk the mall. I have been there a few times over the last 20 years but this time was like walking into a ghost town. The left side is all but abandoned and no effort is made to replace missing floor tiles (just grouted over). The right side is about half rented. I had been in Sears a month or two prior and they seem to be getting ready for a going out of business sale. But just looking inside the Sears entry is like walking into 1965. I rode around the lot and noticed cars parked in front of Wallymart, and some parked in front of the "rear" Sears entrance.
Then there were the bums and their stolen shopping carts. Regards,