A new cannabis dispensary in Wendell is drawing opposition from some parents with students at a nearby elementary school.
The future location of North Carolina hemp store Apotheca on Wendell Boulevard is a block away from Wendell Magnet Elementary School.
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"You have a gymnasium that's right here that kids play in, and the shop is literally right across the street. To me, that's not enough of a buffer to let these kids know that that's not acceptable for their age range," said Wendell Magnet Elementary School parent Anthony Benjamin.
He says the students are too young to be close to a store selling legal products with THC — the active ingredient in marijuana.
"When I see it. I feel kind of disappointed," said Benjamin.
According to Wendell Town Manager Marc Collins, Apotheca's new store complies with local zoning laws, meaning the location does not need approval from the town's Board of Commissioners.
Apotheca staff members tell WRAL the new location's proximity to the elementary school was not a sticking point in the decision to open the new location. A spokesperson the company has several policies in place to make sure the THC-derived hemp drinks, gummies and inhalables they sell are properly bought.
"It was fairly low in discussion. I say that with the full caveat that we have a full compliance department...There is no way, shape or fashion anyone under the age of 21 will purchase a product from our store," said Apotheca's Chief Compliance Officer Josh Lardie.
He encouraged those concerned with the new location to talk with their children and store staff members.
"We leave it up to parents to have those conversations with their children. They may be hard conversations, but this is a product for legally consenting adults," said Lardie. "I would strongly urge anyone concerned with this to reach out, to have a conversation with us. We will never turn away these conversations."
In 2023, Wake County commissioners approved a change of development regulations to prevent stores that primarily sell hemp products from opening within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, greenways, homes and other similar retailers. The ban only applies to unincorporated areas.
Some municipalities in Wake County, like Knightdale and Zebulon, have passed their own rules regulating certain businesses near schools. Wendell does not have a regulation similar to Wake County's.
"The Town is currently in the process of updating its Unified Development Ordinance...which includes an evaluation of uses, includ[ing] this one. This is a typical process following the adoption of an updated comprehensive land use plan which the Town completed," said Collins in an email to WRAL.
Benjamin is calling for changes to Wendell's zoning regulations.
"Yes, it can open, but it should be 1,000 feet from the school," said Benjamin. "I would like for the Town of Wendell to adopt that system."
Apotheca's new location on Wendell Boulevard opened Wednesday, according to a company spokesperson.