Op Ed: Cannabis Concerns

Does Shelton really need a dispensary?

My name is Sharon Herman. I am a Shelton homeowner residing at 170 River Rd for 25 years. I have never consumed cannabis, neither before nor after its legalization. While many people speak of benefits from cannabis, sometimes they are speaking of CBD. While most people are aware that CBD has always been legal because it contains no mind altering THC, supporters of cannabis do not always make this crucial distinction. 

I understand a city wants its residents to be happy and prosper. If Shelton were to add a cannabis dispensary, it would not make me personally happy, nor do I believe it would contribute to any prosperity. While some adults may perhaps consume cannabis responsibly, there is significant data demonstrating, for others, a direct correlation between cannabis  use and mental illness, substance abuse, driving while high, violence and crime. While cannabis dispensaries are regulated to prevent minors from obtaining cannabis, the mere existence of a dispensary would pose an increased risk to our youth. 

Since cannabis dispensaries are restricted to one per population of 25K, Shelton would only be allowed to have one dispensary. Shelton is such a desired destination for businesses and residents as we currently are, the addition of one dispensary in our city would have no effect on economic improvement.

The only thing adding a dispensary would contribute, would be a loss of time and money to approve, set up and regulate. Shelton does not have time to spare on such an endeavor. 

I do not like to compare cannabis to alcohol as they are two separate substances with their own lists of pros and cons; however I will compare the two substances to illustrate that while many adults want to have liquor stores in their community, property owners rarely want one in their own backyard. The same holds true for cannabis. It is pointless to go through such a time-consuming process to approve a cannabis dispensary only to further argue and debate on where one would be placed. 

14 cities have banned cannabis dispensaries from entering their municipalities.  Bethel, Bozrah, Clinton, Darien, Deep River, Eastford, Groton, Kent, Lebanon, Milford, Monroe, Richfield, Waterford and Westport have all banned cannabis dispensaries. Only 9 municipalities have opened cannabis dispensaries in their cities.  The 3% tax Shelton would obtain from one dispensary is negligible. 17% of the tax would go to the state. 

Many other issues arise. It is projected that the recreational use demand will supersede the medical use demand causing those who need medical cannabis to be delayed. Proponents claim the dispensary would likely be placed out of the way. That would therefore make it counterproductive. As of July 1, all property owners in the state of Connecticut will be permitted to grow 3 cannabis plants on their property.

All Connecticut residents are permitted to order cannabis online. A dispensary on top of all this is excessive. 

Proponents of a dispensary point out the amount a person can purchase will be regulated. First, the regulation is only per transaction, not per person per day. The limit per transaction is high, the equivalent of 7 joints or 4 vape cartridges.  Assuming the dispensary will even follow the regulations is another issue. Less than a year ago, 7 Shelton businesses were cited for selling tobacco to minors, including three on Howe Avenue, three on Bridgeport Avenue and one on River Road. If not having a dispensary saves one child or one person from a lifetime of addiction, a dispensary is worth banning. 

A cannabis dispensary is a colossal waste of time to prepare for, let alone regulate. It is not wanted by an increasingly large number of constituents. Our message is loud and clear “not in our backyard”. Large cities such as New Haven have dispensaries. Shelton does not align with large cities like New Haven. Shelton aligns with the 14 prosperous above mentioned municipalities who have banned cannabis dispensaries.

Sharon Herman resides in Shelton, CT