Community rallies against new cannabis dispensary to open in Stamford

Community members in Stamford are rallying against a new cannabis dispensary that will be opening on Shippan Avenue.

Residents say they’re concerned putting a dispensary in the location would be dangerous for local youth.

Community members said the issue causes conflict with the Building One Community. The nonprofit helps integrate immigrant families to the U.S with language learning and workforce development and provides academic enrichment for children.

Residents say they are uncomfortable with the thought of a dispensary being in the same building.

“No cannabis dispensary should near where there are children. We mentioned Building One Community but there are a lot of other centers where our families go, where children come in and out,” said nonprofit lead organizer Ariana Fernandez.

Rally organizers told News 12 they’re pushing back because they don’t want dispensaries to become normalized in their neighborhood.

“There’s the park we see very packed in the summer. Anywhere where children are in a close proximity, we shouldn’t have a dispensary there,” said Fernandez.

The Stamford Planning Board has already voted to recommend the dispensary’s request, the next step is for the board to approve it.

The city currently has three marijuana dispensaries.

The AYR Wellness and The City of Stamford did not respond to News 12’s requests for comment.

The dispensary’s application will go before the city’s Zoning Board on Monday.