To the Editor:

I write to support one or more cannabis dispensaries in Princeton, for reasons beyond those that have already graced these pages.

For many decades continuing into my early seventies, I continued to participate in a very physically challenging sport and do my own home yardwork. Unfortunately, while these were good for me in many ways, I have had back issues for the last eight years. I tried everything for relief, including major spine surgery seven years ago. That provided relief from the worst pain, but in the last couple of years other symptoms have crept back. In the last six months I have consulted with numerous doctors and pain management specialists once again. They recommend that I try cannabis.

In my earlier years I must admit that I had a bit of marijuana a few times. And no, “I did not inhale.” Well — not much anyway. And I enjoyed it!

So for both medical and recreational purposes, I would like to try high quality marijuana. I don’t want to be driving all over the state to purchase it. Nor do I want to obtain product of unknown quality by mail order. I would like a local dispensary whose owners I can get to know and trust, and who have demonstrated knowledge of this product which for too long has been stigmatized and sold in the shadows.

I hear parents say, “marijuana is bad for my kids.” By state law it will not be sold to anyone under 21. Why is a cannabis dispensary any different in this regard from the 15 or so liquor stores in Princeton? Parents, please teach your children your values.

In November 2020, Princeton voters approved legalization of recreational marijuana by an astounding 78 percent in favor, with only 22 percent against — a 4 to 1 majority — even higher than in the state as a whole (67 percent in favor.) Are we now to say, “Yes we want cannabis, but drive down to Trenton to get it because we’re not that sort of town?” This is stereotyping and NIMBYism at its worst.

If you want to turn your 2020 vote into action and take responsibility for it, please: Write to our six town Council members. You can email them from the links at princetonnj.gov/872/Mayor-Council; attend and speak up at the special Council meeting on March 29 at 7 p.m. A Zoom link will be provided closer in at princetonnj.gov; or write your comments to be read at the Council meeting, and send them before 6 p.m. on March 29 to:
princetoncomments@gmail.com.

John Heilner
Howe Circle