Petition Opposes Cannabis Retail Near Princeton Schools, Homes

PRINCETON, NJ — An online petition opposing cannabis dispensaries near schools, playgrounds, and residential neighborhoods has received over 650 signatures.

The petition addressed to the mayor and council, grew after Princeton's Cannabis Task Force presented its recommendations to the council. In their report presented to the council recently, the Task Force recommended that Princeton should initially allow medical and adult-use retail operations.

The Task Force has zeroed in on commercial areas for cannabis retail. The identified locations are Dinky area/Alexander St, Jugtown (near the intersection of Harrison St and Nassau St), Central Business District, Witherspoon North (Witherspoon Street only between Green and Leigh Avenue), and 206 North (at Cherry Valley).

All marijuana retailers will be subject to zoning restrictions similar to alcohol stores. The stores need to be located no less than 200 feet from schools.

During the CTF presentation, CTF member Milan Vaclavik said they had a "spirited discussion" on zoning restrictions. The Task Force was of the view that they shouldn't introduce any additional requirements beyond what's imposed by the state, “just because it's a cannabis dispensary."

The petition said that having dispensaries near schools, playgrounds, and residential neighborhoods, was “in violation of U.S. Federal law and common sense.” Read More Here: Highlights From Princeton's Cannabis Task Force Report

According to the petition, children and adolescents who use marijuana suffer “lasting impairments in learning, decision-making and cognitive functioning, as well as lower academic performance.”

“Marijuana dispensaries cannot be allowed to operate near our schools, playgrounds and residential neighborhoods,” the petition says.

“Unbelievably, the Cannabis Task Force is recommending that Princeton license these unlawful activities with a buffer of only 200 feet for schools, and no buffer at all for playgrounds or public housing, in blatant disregard of U.S. Federal law and the safety of our children.”

The CTF did address underage cannabis use and made recommendations to tackle the issue during their presentation. "The CTF feels that regardless of whether a dispensary opens in Princeton, delivery of legal cannabis will be in our community," CTF member Kimberly Levitt, Physician at Capital Health had said. "History has shown that education and outreach, and open dialogue with our children is the most effective way to deter use by minors."

The petition points out that Princeton is among the top tax-paying towns in the state and can balance its budget “without the 2 percent tax on marijuana dispensaries.”

“If Princeton needs illegal drug money to fund additional spending, we should at least make some effort to protect our children and keep these dispensaries away from our schools, playgrounds and residential neighborhoods.”

The Task Force is currently working on a draft ordinance for Council.

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