Community Corner
Princeton BOE Urges Council To Impose Cannabis Zoning Limitations
In its "position statement," the BOE asked Council to enforce a buffer of 1,000 feet for any cannabis dispensaries near schools.
PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton Board of Education is calling on the Council to impose stricter zoning limitations on cannabis dispensaries in town. In its “position statement,” posted on the Board of Education’s agenda this week, the BOE has requested Council to enforce “a buffer of 1,000 feet for any cannabis dispensaries” situated near schools.
This comes after an online petition opposed cannabis dispensaries 200 feet from schools and playgrounds. Princeton’s Cannabis Task Force (CTF) said marijuana dispensaries will have restrictions similar to alcohol stores and there should not be additional requirements beyond what's imposed by the state.
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In their “position statement”, the BOE said it was appealing to the council “in the interest of protecting student health and wellness. They presented three points to consider when addressing the licensing of legal cannabis dispensaries.
First, the Board urged Council to enforce federal law with regard to drug-free school zones, requiring a buffer of 1,000 feet for any cannabis dispensaries situated near schools.
Second, the BOE requests that a portion of tax revenues from cannabis dispensaries be directed to Princeton Public Schools to cover costs associated with comprehensive public and school-based education on cannabis use and its effects on health and wellness, as well as “policy review and training associated with employee conduct and the use of legalized cannabis.”
And third, a commitment from the municipality, law enforcement, and legal dispensaries to strictly enforce the law prohibiting sales to minors.
The CTF made its recommendations to the council on Nov. 30. The Task Force is currently working on a draft ordinance for Council.
You can read the BOE’s “position statement” here.
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