The Story that Embarc Retail Cannabis Wants You to Believe

Mark Twain once famously opined, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

In the case of the proposal to locate a recreational marijuana store on Alvarado-Niles Road in Union City, it seems as if those who have the biggest stake in the game are willing to use all three in an effort to fool local residents.

First, Union City Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci has been claiming that “no applicant for a retail cannabis dispensary” had been selected, when all the while Embarc, a state-wide chain of 11 retail recreational marijuana stores, has been promoting their new Union City location on their web site for some time now, and held a “community outreach meeting” back in April.

The proposal by Embarc cannabis to establish a recreational marijuana retail store in Union City requires thorough scrutiny, particularly regarding their claims of substantial tax benefits, community engagement, and safety assurances. A closer examination reveals several discrepancies and misleading assertions that need to be addressed.

Disputing Claims of Windfall Tax Benefits

Embarc Cannabis touts significant tax benefits as a key advantage of their proposed dispensary. However, similar promises in other jurisdictions have often fallen short. For instance, in California, projections of marijuana tax revenues have frequently been overly optimistic. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, state marijuana tax revenue in 2019 was significantly below initial estimates, raising questions about the reliability of such financial forecasts. Similarly, cities like Denver have seen fluctuating revenues that have not consistently delivered the anticipated windfall. This pattern suggests that Union City should be cautious in relying on these projected tax benefits as a justification for the dispensary.

Questioning Embarc’s Promises Of “Community Engagement”

Embarc Cannabis claims to be building “strong community ties through ongoing dialogue and steadfast integrity.” However, their actions tell a different story. Reports indicate that Embarc held only one public meeting and has had minimal engagement with the neighbors surrounding the proposed site.
Conversations with local residents reveal that very few were aware of the proposal despite Embarc’s assertion is that they provided written notice to “over 450 property owners and tenants within a 1,000-foot radius.” Even leadership of Purple Louts Temple, whose entrance is located directly across from the proposed location, says no one reached out to them. The utter lack of awareness among residents suggests that Embarc’s outreach efforts were insufficient and that their claims of community collaboration are well overstated.

Safety Concerns and Crime

Embarc’s assurances about safety, such as the installation of security cameras, are unconvincing when juxtaposed with data from across the nation. The cannabis industry has seen a worrying trend of increased burglaries and armed robberies at retail sites. MJBizDaily, a reputable industry publication, has documented numerous incidents of crime targeting cannabis dispensaries. These security concerns are not adequately addressed by the mere presence of security cameras, as Embarc suggests. Instead, the potential for increased crime should be a significant consideration for the community.

Proximity to Sensitive Areas

Contrary to Embarc’s claim that their proposed location on Alvarado-Niles Road is within the city’s buffer preference of 1,000 feet from sensitive areas, the actual distance is just 180 feet from private residences and directly across from a school and place of worship. This proximity raises serious concerns about the appropriateness of the location, given the potential exposure to children and families. Local parents and homeowners are rightfully skeptical of Embarc’s assurances regarding the safety and suitability of the site.

Questioning the Community Benefits Plan

Embarc’s proposed “Community Benefits Plan,” which includes a voluntary (some might say paltry) 1% “Community Investment Fund”, completely lacks transparency and accountability. Without guarantees or independent audits, there is no assurance that these funds will be used effectively or even delivered as promised.

Moreover, a supposed “Community Advisory Board” would likely be stacked with supporters and pro-marijuana advocates, and reflect few if any of the actual residents impacted by this ill planned, poorly contrived proposal. Additionally, the financial benefits are likely to be outweighed by the social costs. Cities across the nation are investing billions of dollars to combat the effects of drug use, further casting doubt on the net positive impact of a THIRD such retail marijuana store in Union City.

Increased Cannabis Use & Negative Impact on Property Values

Contrary to Embarc’s claims that dispensaries boost property values, studies indicate otherwise. Research has shown that the presence of dispensaries can lead to increased teen cannabis use and more incidents of driving under the influence. Furthermore, property values in areas with dispensaries have not consistently risen, and in some cases, have even declined, contrary to Embarc’s assertions. 

False Claims & Exaggerated Promises

In today’s economic and political environment, few people trust the promises made and assurances offered by corporations and politicians. Embarc Cannabis is presenting a misleading narrative filled with disinformation, half-truths, and outright falsehoods to persuade taxpayers that their proposed retail pot store will benefit Union City.

The reality is that such establishments attract crime, fail to deliver promised financial benefits, and negatively impact the community, especially when located near sensitive areas frequented by children. Union City should critically evaluate these claims and consider the broader implications and deny Embarc’s application for the Alvardo-Niles Road location.

References:
Los Angeles Times. “California’s marijuana tax revenue is falling short of projections.” (2019).
Denver Post. “Denver’s marijuana revenue: Promise vs. reality.” (2018).
MJBizDaily. “Cannabis store crime: A growing concern.” (2020).
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Economic Impact of Drug Abuse.” (2021).
Journal of Adolescent Health. “Impact of Dispensaries on Teen Cannabis Use.” (2019).
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis: Statistics & Trends.” (2020).
Urban Land Institute. “The Effect of Marijuana Dispensaries on Property Values.” (2020).