Bloomfield Council Votes To Allow Marijuana Businesses

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Another municipality in Essex County has paved the way for marijuana businesses to come to town.

On Monday, the Bloomfield Town Council passed a local ordinance that will allow for at least six recreational cannabis businesses. Stores will be allowed in the central business district and neighborhood business district, but not the historic district (watch the video below).

All retail licenses would be “class five,” allowing cannabis items and supplies to be sold, NorthJersey.com reported.

Three of the licenses will be “micro licenses,” given to businesses that occupy less than 2,500 square feet and have 10 employees or less, TAP Into Bloomfield reported.

New Jersey voters approved recreational marijuana in November 2020. When state lawmakers crafted the legalization bill, they left room for municipalities to ban or limit the number of cannabis businesses operating in their communities. Read More: 5 Things You Need To Know About Marijuana Legalization In NJ

Local governments have until Aug. 21 to pass a law banning cannabis businesses. They will be able to repeal or alter their ordinances afterwards. If they don't pass an ordinance in that time, not only will marijuana businesses be allowed to operate, but local officials won't have another chance to issue a ban for a period of five years. Read More: Marijuana Is Legal In NJ. But Can Towns Still Ban It?

Some Essex County towns, including Livingston and Nutley, have chosen to ban cannabis businesses – at least for now.

• Livingston Council Votes: No Marijuana Businesses, For Now
• Nutley Bans Marijuana Businesses Within Town Limits

Other municipalities, including Newark and Montclair, have gone in the opposite direction.

• Newark Is Paving The Way For Marijuana Businesses
• Montclair Council Gives Green Light To Marijuana Businesses

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