Musings: Pot stores near schools are OK
The Happy Days cannabis dispensary in East Farmingdale. If marijuana is legal in the state, why can’t have dispensaries in our neighborhoods and especially not near schools, a reader asks. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Marijuana is legal in New York State and, as such, should be treated accordingly. So, can politicians please stop using the old scare tactic that we can’t have dispensaries in our neighborhoods and especially not near schools?
If we can have delis or 7-Elevens, as just two examples of stores that sell alcohol, sugar products and tobacco products near schools, why not a pot dispensary? Similarly, if we can have liquor stores and beer distributors near schools, why can’t we have pot dispensaries?
Do some of those who are concerned about this issue have the idea that people who own a business involving marijuana sales are unscrupulous? If that were true, why would they want to jeopardize their legal business and livelihood by selling to minors?
If selling near minors isn’t a problem when considering the locations of liquor stores, beer distributors and delis, then it shouldn’t be a problem having marijuana stores near schools. Right?
— Chris Carman, Amityville
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