What’s in a name? Bend reacts to dispensary names

The debate over medical marijuana shops is red hot in Central Oregon, several cities and counties adding to the agenda whether or not they should be permitted or not.

Bend, and Jefferson County are the only places that allow dispensaries in the Tri-County area. Deschutes County, Sisters, Madras, and Redmond have voted to ban them for a year.

Crook County and La Pine have scheduled votes in the coming weeks. It stems from guidance from the Oregon State Legislature which gave municipalities the option to put in place a one year moratorium on marijuana dispensaries until May 2015 when they will take up the topic again.

In Bend, three dispensaries have been awarded licenses, Doctor Jolly’s, Bloom Well, Inc. and Cannabend LLC. Their names have sparked a debate right here on KTVZ.com, many questioning if it’s appropriate. On the streets of the city, a different tone.

“You know I’m looking for the one that says ‘Daves not here,'” Bend resident Zach Tuter said. “I think that they are being respectful. They are trying to coexist with people who aren’t supportive of it.”

“They catch your attention, and that’s the job of a business,” said COCC student Natasha West.

“They are selling a product, they are being successful in that realm,” another COCC student, Abigail Herriges, added.

“If you’ve got 4:20 with a big fat pot sign, you know, it may be offensive to some people.” Tuter said. “It’s the same reason you don’t put nude women on those things.”