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To: Miami-Dade County Officials, Florida policy makers, Office of Medical Marijuana Use, and Relevant Authorities

We, the undersigned, urgently petition for immediate action to prevent FLUENT CANNABIS from operating directly adjacent to Stop & Play Kindergarten and Preschool, sharing a wall with our children's classroom.

KEY FACTS:

1. Legal Standing:

- Stop & Play holds Department of Education number #1460 for its Kindergarten program

- The Florida Department of Education has officially confirmed that "a private school serving only kindergarten is considered an Elementary School" (DOE confirmation dated December 11, 2024)

- The Department of Health considers "Kindergarten as Elementary" for mandatory immunization reporting under Florida Statute 1003.22

2. Safety Concerns Supported by Research:

- Recent studies show that cannabis retailers within a mile of schools are associated with increased cannabis use and decreased perceived harm among students (National Institutes of Health, 2025)

- Research indicates that proximity to cannabis dispensaries can lead to increased unintended exposure among young children (American College of Pediatricians)

- Studies have documented significant health risks to children from secondary exposure, with effects lasting 24-36 hours (Children's Environmental Health)

3. Legal Framework:

- Miami-Dade Municipal Code §33-149.5 requires a 1,000-foot buffer between dispensaries and educational facilities

- Florida Statute 381.986 requires a 500-foot buffer from public or private elementary schools

- Federal law, under the Supremacy Clause, should provide additional protections where state law is insufficient

RESEARCH-BACKED SAFETY CONCERNS:

1. Conflicting Crime Data:

- While some studies show that dispensaries may reduce certain types of crime (ScienceDirect, 2024), others indicate increased risks in specific contexts:

   - A University of Colorado Denver study found "increases in rates of crime and disorder in neighborhoods" with dispensaries

   - Studies show dispensaries tend to cluster in disadvantaged neighborhoods with existing higher crime rates (National Institutes of Health, 2023)

2. Security Requirements:

- The fact that dispensaries require extensive security measures (armed guards, surveillance systems, etc.) demonstrates the inherent risks associated with these facilities

- According to Port Security USA (2024), "The black market for cannabis is lucrative... making these facilities potential targets for criminal activity"

3. Child Safety Considerations:

- Research indicates dispensaries near sensitive locations like schools can lead to:

   - Increased opportunities for exposure to cannabis products

   - Higher risk of accidental ingestion by children

   - Greater accessibility to minors through indirect means

4. Community Impact:

- Studies from the American Journal of Public Health highlight concerns about:

   - Increased foot traffic in residential areas

   - Security challenges for neighboring businesses

   - Potential impact on property values and neighborhood character

URGENT CONCERNS:

1. Child Safety: The proposed dispensary location poses immediate risks to our children's safety and well-being, sharing a wall with their learning environment.

2. Legal Compliance: As a DOE-recognized private school offering kindergarten education, Stop & Play should be afforded the same protections as other elementary schools under both state and federal law.

3. Community Impact: The presence of a cannabis dispensary immediately adjacent to a children's educational facility contradicts the community's commitment to providing safe learning environments.

PETITION REQUEST:

We call upon Miami-Dade County officials to:

1. Immediately halt the opening of FLUENT CANNABIS at this location

2. Enforce the protective buffer zones as specified in both municipal and state regulations

3. Acknowledge Stop & Play's status as an elementary school facility

4. Prioritize the safety and well-being of our community's children

This is not merely about maintaining distance requirements; it's about protecting our most vulnerable citizens - our children - during their crucial developmental years. The proximity of this dispensary to our kindergarten facility creates an unacceptable risk to child safety and well-being.

Take Action Now:

Sign this petition to support the protection of our children and the enforcement of crucial safety regulations designed to keep them safe.

 

 

 

 

Our children's safety cannot wait. Every signature counts in protecting their right to a safe learning environment.