Introduction

The recent opening of a medical marijuana dispensary adjacent to a childcare facility in Northeast Miami-Dade County has sparked concern among local parents regarding safety and zoning regulations. The dispensary, named Fluent Cannabis, shares a wall with the Stop & Play daycare, generating significant debate within the community.

Parental Concerns

As parents pick up their children, many express apprehension about the dispensary’s proximity. Andrea Diaz, a concerned parent, stated, “Really, really concerned because I do want my child to be as safe as possible.” Other parents echoed similar sentiments, fearing the potential exposure to cannabis-related products and influences.

Daycare Perspective

Marlo Planas, co-owner of Stop & Play, revealed that discussions with parents have overwhelmingly reflected unease about the dispensary’s location. She remarked, “We speak to hundreds and hundreds of parents. No one has come to us and said that they feel comfortable with having a dispensary next door.” This illustrates the prevalent anxiety within the daycare community.

Zoning Regulations Questioned

The arrival of Fluent Cannabis raises crucial questions regarding zoning laws. While Miami-Dade mandates that medical marijuana dispensaries must be at least 1,000 feet away from any childcare facility, Florida law only requires a 500-foot buffer from schools. However, there is currently no statewide regulation regarding distances from daycare centers, leading to uncertainty among parents.

Max Platonov, another parent, highlighted this issue by questioning the zoning: “How are they allowing to build this kind of business next to school, next to child’s day care?”

County Response

County officials clarified that Stop & Play is registered exclusively as a daycare and does not qualify under the state’s definition of a school. Consequently, the stricter Miami-Dade regulations could not be enforced, granting Fluent Cannabis the clearance to operate in its current location.

Fluent Cannabis’ Stance

Robert Beasley, CEO of Fluent Cannabis, acknowledged the community’s concerns while defending the establishment’s right to operate. He emphasized the steps his company has taken to ensure safety and compliance. “We want to be good neighbors… we are a medical enterprise selling a medical product to medical licensed, registered patients,” Beasley stated.

During a tour of the dispensary, Beasley highlighted security measures, including a secure vault for cannabis products and cash, as well as 24-hour monitoring. He assured parents that product packaging is intentionally plain to avoid luring children: “Packaging is all white and bland and plain. Because there’s nothing to attract any type of children or indicate this is candy in any way.”

Despite this, some parents, like Adeniyi Williams, remain worried about the potential repercussions of having a dispensary next door. “I love the school. We love Marlo. My son and my daughter make great friends here. But at the end of the day, I always have to do what’s right by my kids,” Williams remarked.

Conclusion and Call for Action

In light of the ongoing concerns, Marlo Planas has urged local lawmakers to discuss the need for clearer regulations that could protect children in Miami-Dade County. “I’m asking the local lawmakers to have this talk with Tallahassee: See why they cannot enforce their more restrictive laws to protect the children of Miami-Dade County?”

This situation highlights a significant clash between business rights and community safety, prompting ongoing discussions in the area as parents navigate their children’s wellbeing amidst changing local dynamics.