In August, after a map released by the county showed that much of Vashon could be eligible land for marijuana fields and a pot store could open in the town core in the future, we editorialized about our concerns. We worried about what such a presence of drugs — albeit legalized drugs — could have on Vashon, an island many live on for its small-town, set-apart feel and a place where teen alcohol and drug use is already above average.

We still have concerns — it’s easy to feel uneasy when no one knows how the new system will play out. However, we’re also eager to give new marijuana businesses a chance and hope islanders are as well. In doing so, perhaps we can create an environment where responsible Vashon residents step up to establish these new businesses in the best ways possible.

While new laws and regulations regarding marijuana sales are confusing, even for those hoping to start the businesses, one thing has become clear: It’s almost certain that marijuana will eventually be grown, processed and sold on the island. If islanders don’t go for it, it’s hard to imagine Seattleites won’t come over to take advantage of our large swaths of agriculturally zoned land. And the state Liquor Control Board has suggested they’ll work to assure we have at least one retail shop here.

Since the passage of Initiative 502, we’ve seen some uneasiness among islanders about the idea of marijuana sales so close to home. As islander Shango Los, featured in a story on this week’s front page, pointed out, the topic has been taboo for a long time. We had a hard time finding those interested in starting businesses to go on the record about their ideas or plans, a sign they’re uneasy about going public on Vashon.

However uncertain, we hope islanders don’t dissuade those who might take advantage of the new law and go into business. We agree with Los and hope that if we keep open minds, some of our community’s most promising entrepreneurs may step up and new businesses may be established with taste and with respect to Vashon values. Maybe grow operations will be set up away from the main roads or business owners will be extra careful to see that their product doesn’t get into the hands of minors. On the other hand, if off-islanders or those less invested in the community fill these new business roles, we worry they might not consider the impacts of their work as much as our neighbors would.

Will pot farms and businesses be a boon to Vashon by creating a slate of new jobs and generating profits that will be reinvested on the island? We think it’s too soon to tell. And we’re even more skeptical that pot entrepreneurs would donate much to Vashon charities. But if we welcome responsible entrepreneurs, we could at least see that new pot business doesn’t have negative consequences.