The Princeton Mayor and Council are considering whether to allow cannabis industry licenses in Princeton.  The Princeton Cannabis Task Force, which serves in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and Council, proposes to recommend that Princeton license a number of dispensaries, potentially near our schools, playgrounds and residential neighborhoods, in violation of U.S. Federal law and common sense.

Children and adolescents who use marijuana can suffer lasting impairments in learning, decision-making and cognitive functioning, as well as lower academic performance.  Studies have shown that those effects are more severe than for alcohol.  Marijuana dispensaries cannot be allowed to operate near our schools, playgrounds and residential neighborhoods.

The distribution of marijuana is no longer a state crime in New Jersey, but it remains a Federal crime under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, with serious penalties attached.  In particular, selling marijuana within 1,000 feet of any public or private school property, any playground (including adjacent parking lots) or public housing carries a prison term of not less than one year for first-time offenders and three years to life imprisonment for second-time offenders.  Individuals who knowingly facilitate these crimes, such as employees, landlords and suppliers, face prosecution as well, subject to the same penalties.  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.  Indeed, one of the suggested locations, Princeton Shopping Center, is immediately adjacent to a playground.  Others, such as Palmer Square and “Jugtown” (the area near the intersection of Nassau Street and Harrison Street), are mixed residential/commercial areas with numerous nearby schools and playgrounds.

Princeton is among the top tax paying towns in the state, with an average property tax bill of more than $20,000.  We should be able to balance our budget without the 2% tax on marijuana dispensaries operating in violation of Federal law.  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.