To the Editor:

Local Cannabis store proponents base their arguments on appeals to democracy, safe supply, and social justice. However, all of these arguments are flawed.

1) The majority of Princeton voters did vote to legalize cannabis possession and use in New Jersey. I was one of those voters. However, while I supported cannabis decriminalization because of racially biased enforcement of prior laws, I oppose the siting of stores in town within walking distance of schools. Decriminalization and siting are two separate issues, and the latter has not been voted upon.

2) I agree that legalization improves the quality of cannabis supply. As a result, users already have several, safe options available including home delivery, a large dispensary conveniently located (a 15-minute drive) on Route 1 near Quaker Bridge Mall, and up to 10 shops (including small businesses) in Trenton. Most Princeton residents cannot walk to a competitively priced grocery store to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Why should they expect to walk to a cannabis store?

3) Some proponents have presented the opening of local cannabis stores as a social equity issue arguing that sales tax revenues can be used to compensate minorities for past injustices. However, if our relatively wealthy town really cares about social justice, the logical conclusion is that we should not open competing shops in Princeton. Instead, adult Princeton users should spend their money in nearby Trenton and Lawrence (47.4 percent and 9.3 percent African American population, respectively) compared to Princeton (5.7 percent African American) so that our neighbors’ tax revenues can benefit more minorities.

Smita Brunnermeier
Maclean Circle