North Caldwell Considering Marijuana Dispensary Ban

CALDWELL, NJ — Another Essex County town has decided to take on the thorny issue of whether to embrace – or reject – the idea of allowing a marijuana dispensary if recreational use becomes legal in the state.

During its public meeting on Tuesday, the North Caldwell Borough Council introduced a potential law that would ban marijuana dispensaries in town, TAP Into West Essex reported. (Read the full article here)

Council President Cynthia Santomauro said that the proposed ordinance was an attempt to “get ahead” of the issue. She added that the proposed ordinance could be amended or removed “if need be.”

According to the meeting agenda, the ordinance, O-1-18, would amend the town’s zoning code Chapter §107-19 regarding “Prohibited Uses.” A public meeting and final reading on the ordinance will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

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North Caldwell isn’t the only Essex County town to wrestle with the idea of having a marijuana dispensary in its borders.

In December, South Orange Village President Sheena Collum announced that an unnamed "retail distributor" reached out to her in anticipation that New Jersey laws will be changed in the near future. Collum then put forth an "informal poll" to her constituents: What do you think about a recreational cannabis dispensary in South Orange?

• See related article: Essex County Town May Be Pondering A Retail Marijuana Store
• See related article: Legal Marijuana Could Bring New Jersey $1B In 1st Year, Law Firm Says

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has promised to help fast-track marijuana legalization in the state, a drastic change from former governor Chris Christie, who has opposed the concept of legalization throughout his tenure.

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney said that his goal was to get a pot legalization measure passed within 100 days of the Murphy administration taking office. Murphy was sworn-in on Jan. 16.

• See related article: NJ Pot Legalization Expected Soon (What You Need To Know)
• See related article: Christie Calls N.J. Marijuana Legalization 'Stupid'

While several legislative efforts to legalize marijuana have been floated in New Jersey over the past few years, the apparent front-runner may be Sen. Nicholas Scutari's proposal, which has gained Sweeny's support.

• See related article: NJ Senator's Marijuana Legalization Bill Would Tax, Regulate Weed

Scutari's bill would:

• Legalize recreational marijuana use for those 21 years and older
• Create a recreational marijuana program in New Jersey that would "provide for the licensing of marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale and retail facilities"
• Permit the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana infused product in solid form, 72 ounces in liquid form, and seven grams of "concentrate"
• Require the state to establish licensing goals for New Jersey residents and "begin accepting applications for licenses for marijuana establishments" within one year of the bill's enactment
• Prohibit growing marijuana plants at home and consumption of marijuana openly or in a public place

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