To the Editor:

Those in favor of retail cannabis dispensaries in Princeton constantly refer to those of us against them as being stuck in the old mindset about drugs. The reality is, many of those against dispensaries voted to legalize marijuana because they are against the “war on drugs” era of incarceration for minor possession and usage. That’s quite a contemporary opinion, don’t you think? Interestingly, many of the liberals who argue that because cannabis is now legal it should be readily sold in stores everywhere are the very same people that argue that though gun ownership is legal, guns should be very hard to get. We’re not arguing in favor of guns, but we are trying to make the point that legalization and retail sales are not directly linked. Legalization means those that want to enjoy small amounts of cannabis can without the risk of jailtime.

Another argument by pro-dispensary commentators is teens are already using it, so it’d be best if we get a cleaner product in town. These very same people also argue there are laws in place to prevent cannabis sales or use by anyone under age 21. Hmmm, really? Either we’re bringing in cannabis stores to flush out the illegal pot currently being sold to minors and hope it gets in their hands or we’re going to do all we can to ensure the cannabis sold in Princeton doesn’t get into the hands of minors. We can’t have both.

The fact that many Princeton teens already use marijuana is why we should not open dispensaries. Despite what the cannabis industry wants you to believe, studies show that today (not just decades ago) marijuana damages the developing brain. Additionally, the normalizing of marijuana through retail stores was proven in a January 2021 study by the NIH that “recreational marijuana legalization and greater retail availability of recreational marijuana and alcohol were positively associated with alcohol and marijuana co-use among adolescents, and with beliefs favorable to alcohol and marijuana use.” Stores, in our town of over 20 educational institutions, put our teens at more risk.

In 2022, most people use Amazon rather than shop in person. They use DoorDash rather than enter a restaurant. Delivery is the method of choice for nearly everything, yet those in favor of dispensaries continually argue we need local stores to allow enjoyment of cannabis. Delivery services already exist that can drop it at your door.

Those of us against dispensaries are arguing factual realities associated with opening retail cannabis stores, such as the fact no breathalyzer exists to determine DUI of marijuana.

Cannabis remains a federally illegal drug so the FDA can’t make any regulations about safe levels of THC, dangerous drug interactions and other safety clarifications. These unknowns put our community at risk.

Opting out of dispensaries is not prohibition. It is a legal right given to municipalities. It is the smart decision our town Council should make using current scientific data that proves there are too many dangers and unknowns to opt-in.

Sheela Das
Brooks Bend

Bret Jacknow
Farrand Road

Karolin and Rene Obregon
Walker Drive