The Berkeley City Council voted unanimously to designate a series of city parks and recreation areas “Free Drug Zones” on the principle that the pandemic has hampered residents’ ability to in vibe in their favorite pastime. Under the new policy, the city will provide Compassion Grants to local cannabis dealers to distribute products free of charge to those expressing need. The Compassion Grants will be funded by existing tax revenue from the city’s cannabis clubs. Council member Rigel Robinson expressed delight at the revenue neutral approach and stated, “the city has closed the loop on the progressive cannabis agenda.” The one member of the public who suggested such policy might be a magnet for individuals to come to Berkeley for a “free stash” was promptly shouted out of the room with chants of “where is your compassion.” While the council immediately agreed unanimously on the distribution policy, they spent six hours debating the signage that would be used to designate the zones. Reaching no agreement, they budgeted $100k for interim signs that would then be replaced once the issue was resolved at a future meeting.
