Freighthouse Square, Tacoma’s eclectic, homespun shopping center in the heart of the Dome District, has suddenly become even more eclectic.

Now, along with the pita bread sandwiches, model trains and vintage clothing, there’s a shop where medical marijuana patients can pick up hashish-infused gumballs, buy pot cookies and choose from more than a dozen varieties of resiny marijuana buds.

A medical marijuana collective called Natures Resource Center opened downstairs in Freighthouse Square, offering an array of products for those who have obtained authorization under the state’s medical marijuana law.

Marijuana collectives are no longer particularly unusual in Tacoma.

In the past six months, at least a half dozen have opened in various parts of town, capitalizing on a gray area in the state law that, by some readings, allows such operations. Some offer home delivery.

What is unusual about Nature’s Resource is its location. Most of Tacoma collectives have set up shop on quiet streets or nondescript office parks.

Nature’s Resource is squarely in the middle of one of the city’s most popular family attractions and right next door to City Blocks, which makes specialty creations out of Legos and has a play area heavily used by children.

As a result, the new store has raised some sharp criticism.

(Source)