Vote NO to Pot Shops in Federal Way

Federal Way is working hard to improve our family and business environment. The presence of pot shops would undermine that effort. Though marijuana sales are illegal to minors, pot shops send the message to kids that marijuana is safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that marijuana interferes with memory, concentration, learning and brain development, lowers the odds of completing high school and increases the risk of psychosis.

Based on taxes received by neighboring cities, Federal Way can expect $180,000 to $300,000 in tax revenue. That is less than 3/10s of 1 percent of the city's budget. There are better sources for revenue. Studies show the presence of pot shops in neighborhoods increase the frequency of marijuana use by young people. Is this poor attempt to improve the financial health of the city worth endangering the physical, mental and emotional health of the future generation?

A "no" vote does not restrict adults from the private use of marijuana or restrict medical use.

Sixty-one percent of Federal Way residents voted against pot shops four years ago. What has changed? Say "No" to retail Marijuana once again. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/NOtoFWPotshops

The Wrong Message

Pot Shops in Federal Way send a message to our children and to our businesses.

Pot Shops in Federal Way sends our kids the message that marijuana is harmless.

We want Federal Way to be a safe and family-friendly environment, and to encourage businesses that support this.

Research Shows

"In states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use, the AAP strongly recommends strict enforcement of rules and regulations that limit access, marketing and advertising to youth."

The effects of Marijuana on the youth are indisputable:

Impairs memory and concentration.
Alters motor control and coordination.
Alters judgment.
May contribute to unintentional deaths and injuries.
Linked to lower odds of completing high school and obtaining college degrees.
Psychological problems.
Poorer lung health.
Higher likelihood of drug dependence in adulthood.

A Matter of Money

$180,000 - $300,000 doesn't justify jeopardizing our families and businesses.

To put things in perspective, the Federal Way budget for 2019 shows $122,934,808 in expenditures.

We Are Not Opposed to Research

We are not opposed to research or medicinal use of marijuana. We simply want to preserve a family-friendly environment.

We Are Not Opposed to Accessibility

Every resident of Federal Way lives within 5 miles of a pot shop.

We support families and businesses in Federal Way

We want to make Federal Way a safe environment to raise families and conduct business. We are not willing to trade that for a few hundred thousand dollars.