I am writing to express profound concern regarding the vote that will soon come before Teaneck’s Town Council that would expand zoning to allow the opening of cannabis dispensaries in our town’s commercial districts, such as Cedar Lane and the Plaza. These locations are strikingly near our schools, synagogues and residential areas, as well as the restaurants, movie theater and other areas where our children and teenagers spend their free time. These dispensaries would sell marijuana for recreational use, and, to be clear, the opposition to these dispensaries has nothing whatsoever to do with medicinal use.

Teaneck’s Town Council has already approved zoning for the retail sale of cannabis in the industrial area on Alfred Avenue, off Route 4. Anyone who needs cannabis for medical purposes can easily obtain what he or she requires there or in Paramus, Rochelle Park or elsewhere.

No doubt there are many adults who use cannabis for recreational purposes right in our community. When used responsibly by adults, it is legal, and I cannot comment. Those adults can also drive to Alfred Avenue if they want to purchase it. Dispensaries need not be located in the middle of town.

However, we must consider the issue on a collective level, as well. Many believe that marijuana is no more dangerous than a glass of wine. However, THC concentration has risen from 2-4% in the 1960s to 80-90% today, and the physical and mental health consequences are very serious, especially for teens. Further, there is ample data regarding cannabis use disorder—a staggering 30% of users lose sound judgment, and drive or perform other hazardous tasks while they are high. People with this disorder are unable to stop using cannabis, even though it causes them health and social problems, including physical addiction.

Studies also show a remarkably increased likelihood for paranoia and schizophrenia for regular users of this high-concentrate marijuana, which is sold at recreational-use dispensaries. These conditions in turn dramatically increase the likelihood for violent behavior. Not surprisingly, the risk of developing cannabis use disorder is greater in people who start using marijuana during youth or in their adolescence.

The notion that the Teaneck Town Council is considering rezoning our town for dispensaries near schools, synagogues and residences obviously raises the additional danger of our children having easy access to cannabis, as well as increases the likelihood of street and property crime, which has been the case in cities such as Denver.

I fear that many members of our community (including many of our leaders) do not appreciate the deleterious effect this zoning expansion will inevitably have on the well-being of our entire community, particularly our vulnerable teens and children.

To get involved in the fight to keep our town from allowing dispensaries to open on Cedar Lane, the Plaza or Teaneck Road, please email [email protected] .