DC Residents Fight Against Cannabis Dispensaries Near Schools: Is There A Real Danger For Children?
In Washington D.C., a legal battle is unfolding regarding the “cannabis distance rule” as residents and an Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) have taken steps to prevent the establishment of new cannabis dispensaries close to educational institutions. Regulation in DC indicates a minimum distance from schools and daycare facilities, but the residents claim this is not enough. The concerned parties have escalated the matter to the D.C. Court of Appeals.
The lawsuit is spearheaded by 1,000 Feet, a collective of residents from D.C.’s Palisades neighborhood and ANC-2C, reported WTOP News. They argue that the proposed dispensary locations are inappropriately close to schools, potentially exposing children to cannabis. Lucy Sullivan, representing 1,000 Feet, stated, “We want to protect D.C. kids from unnecessary exposure to drugs. We don’t believe that marijuana stores should operate across the street or next door to schools, and the D.C. government has been allowing that. And we think it’s a real danger to kids and communities.”
DC Legal Landscape And The Cannabis Distance Rule
Washington D.C. has a unique legal landscape, especially when it comes to federal and local laws, largely due to its status as the nation’s capital and not a state. Here’s a breakdown of how D.C. differs from other areas in the U.S. Unlike states, D.C. does not have full control over its local laws and budgets. Congress has the …