City Councilor Josh Zakim says he doesn't hate lawyers - he's one himself - but he says he concerned that too many professionals are taking over street-level storefronts on Charles Street and the Beacon Hill side of Cambridge Street and wants to try to slow the process.

Zakim, who represents most of Beacon Hill, wants to make professional offices a "conditional" use on the two streets. The proposal would still let the agents and brokers move in, but only after a hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

City councilors this morning began a formal discussion on how to allow the medical-marijuana dispensaries approved by voters last month while letting neighborhoods have a say on specific locations.

The law approved by voters would allow up to five dispensaries in a county.