Cannabis dispensaries don’t belong near schools: We are Santa Cruz’s educational leaders and we are worried for our kids

Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.

As educational leaders deeply committed to the well-being and success of our students, we are gravely concerned about the proposed establishment of a cannabis dispensary at Mission and Laurel streets in Santa Cruz at the former Emily’s Bakery location. It’s too close to our local schools. 

Amid a nationwide uptick in underage marijuana usage on school campuses, the prospect of a dispensary two blocks away from Santa Cruz High School in an established path of travel for students presents a troubling threat to the safety and development of our youth.

Research unequivocally underscores the detrimental effects of cannabis use on adolescent brain development, academic performance and overall mental health. With easily accessible fake IDs and medical marijuana cards, students across the country are able to subvert safeguards and purchase marijuana from legal dispensaries. 

Such close proximity to Santa Cruz High and to Mission Hill Middle School, less than half a mile away, could easily increase students’ exposure to — and further normalize — cannabis use. 

Unfortunately, national regulations that require most of these businesses to deal exclusively in cash also make them frequent targets for robbery, as evidenced in November 2023, when the robbery of a Santa Cruz dispensary resulted in a shootout. This reality introduces an added layer of risk to our students’ well-being.

On Feb. 28, the Santa Cruz City Schools board of trustees passed a resolution opposing the placement of a new cannabis dispensary on a well-established walking route to and from school and during breaks for secondary school students. We want to clarify that this opposition is not a broad opposition to marijuana dispensaries or the legal sale of cannabis, but a specific concern about the extremely close proximity to a school. The resolution outlines the district’s recommendation that the city employ the Monterey County Cannabis Public Health Risk Matrix, which recommends a 2,000-foot distance from dispensaries and youth activities.

While we acknowledge the changing landscape of cannabis legislation, we cannot overlook our duty to safeguard the health and future of our students. We know that having the dispensary farther away will not eliminate the problem of student cannabis use, but we believe that we have an obligation to mitigate access in whatever ways we can.

Therefore, we urge city officials to reevaluate current zoning regulations and expand designated areas where dispensaries are prohibited near schools. Implementing a buffer zone, aligned with established public health recommendations such as the Monterey County Cannabis Public Health Risk Matrix, is essential to prioritize the well-being of our community’s youth.

We implore our city leaders to not permit a new dispensary at 1129 Mission St. and exercise their authority in protecting our children from potential harm and preserving the sanctity of our school environments as safe spaces for learning and growth. 

For all families and neighbors who share concerns over the school-adjacent placement of this proposed dispensary, we encourage you to attend the upcoming Santa Cruz City Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. It would also help to share any concerns you have with the planning commission by sending an email to cityplan@santacruzca.gov.

SCCS parents are also organizing to express their concerns about the location of this dispensary. Information on this parent-led effort and links to a community petition can be found in this letter.

By advocating for sensible zoning policies, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the health and success of future generations.

Kris Munro is Santa Cruz City Schools superintendent.

Faris Sabbah is Santa Cruz County superintendent of schools.