The Pennington Council has introduced a proposed ordinance that would allow several cannabis retailers (including some with consumption rooms) into Pennington Borough - within a half mile of four schools: Hopewell Central High School, Timberlane Middle School, The Pennington School, and The Cambridge School.     

WHY IS THIS A BAD IDEA?

1) UNSAFE ROADS.  There are legitimate concerns about road safety tied to consumption rooms.  Driving while high is illegal, but police are limited in what they can do and are only able to pull someone over for consumptions if they see them smoking while driving.  The AAA organization highlights that, "research suggests that users who drive high are up to twice as likely to be involved in a crash."(a)  And, a recent article from National Law Review stated, "In light of the road safety concerns, one can certainly foresee many [NJ] municipalities opposing [consumption rooms] (as well as cannabis businesses more generally)." (b)

2)  INCREASED MARIJUANA USE AMONG AREA YOUTH.  The journal Pediatrics reports that states that have legalized marijuana have seen increased use among youth and that, "This change is of critical concern because of the potential harmful impact of marijuana exposure on adolescents.  Marijuana use has been associated with several adverse mental health outcomes, including increased incidence of addiction and comorbid substance use, suicidality, and new-onset psychosis. Negative impacts on cognition and academic performance have also been observed."  (c)  Research from Washington State University has also shown that "location of retail stores also played a role" in intent to use among youth and, for that reason, "most states with legalized marijuana restrict placing retailers and advertisements next to schools." (d) It is reasonable to assume that bringing marijuana retailers directly into our community and close to our schools will only further increase the risk that our youth will be exposed to and experiment with marijuana, affecting their development.

3) NOT NECESSARY.  With NJ legalizing marijuana, it will become accessible to anyone over 21 years old who wants to use it, either through stores in nearby communities or delivery services.  We do not need to bring these businesses down the street from our schools to ensure that residents have access.  

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1) SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION.

2) CONTACT PENNINGTON COUNCIL MEMBERS.  You can e-mail Pennington Council President Kit Chandler at cchandler@penningtonboro.org or call the borough offices M-F 11-2 at 609-737-0276 x 2 to connect with Betty Sterling, borough office administrator.  You can leave a message with her sharing your views.

3) JOIN BORO COUNCIL ZOOM MEETING ON MONDAY, AUGUST 2nd at 7PM (Public Hearing Meeting with Opportunity for 3 Minutes of Sharing).  Zoom Details:

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88662879001?pwd=V2tHOGFER2QzWG9aV2E3eU53Z042UT09
Passcode: 417561
Or US:   +1 646 558 8656  
Webinar ID: 886 6287 9001
Passcode: 417561

For more information visit:

DRAFT ORDINANCE: https://www.penningtonboro.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif5426/f/uploads/ordinance_2021_-_8_-_cannabis_introduced_revised-6.pdf

LOCAL COVERAGE: https://mercerme.com/boroughs-lean-in-to-cannabis-sales/

MORE LOCAL COVERAGE:  https://centraljersey.com/2021/06/16/pennington-would-restrict-recreational-cannabis-with-opt-in-ordinance/ 

(a) AAA INFORMATION ON CONSUMPTION & ROAD SAFETY: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2021/04/risky-driving-behaviors-of-drivers-who-use-alcohol-and-marijuana/ 

(b) CONSUMPTIONS ROOMS & ROAD SAFETY: https://www.natlawreview.com/article/marijuana-social-lounges-are-coming-to-new-jersey-town-near-you  

(c) IMPACT ON YOUTH: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/145/supplement_2/s165

(d) IMPACT OF LOCATION & ADVERTISTING ON YOUTH INTENT TO TRY MARIJUANA: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201008142132.htm