Weed Industry In Cherry Hill? Township To Talk Cannabis On Monday

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Should Cherry Hill get in on the weed industry? The township will hold a forum Monday evening to discuss cannabis businesses within the municipality.

The forum will immediately follow Monday's Township Council meeting and start no earlier than 7 p.m. The council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

The cannabis forum will include a short presentation before officials listen to public feedback. Officials will not take formal action on cannabis during the meeting.

The township plans to hold additional public forums on cannabis businesses, with dates and locations to be determined.

Remote access is available for the council meeting and cannabis forum. View the instructions for accessing the meeting remotely.

In 2021, Cherry Hill was among many New Jersey municipalities that opted out of allowing cannabis businesses within its premises. When recreational use for adults became legal in New Jersey that year, local governments had six months to decide whether to prohibit any or all types of weed businesses.

Municipalities could opt in later to allow them. But if they didn't ban them by the 180-day mark, they wouldn't have another opportunity for five more years.

Several cities and towns in Camden County took a wait-and-see approach, with several local ordinances citing "present uncertainties regarding the future impacts" of allowing such businesses.

But some communities opted to welcome the industry. The county currently has five dispensaries — tied for the most out of any New Jersey county.

Adults 21 and older in New Jersey can still consume recreational weed in private spaces, no matter their locale's regulations on cannabis businesses. Landlords may prohibit weed consumption on their property. See the state's FAQ page on recreational use.

During the 2020 general election, two-thirds of New Jersey voters cast ballots in favor of a referendum to legalize recreational weed. In Cherry Hill, 62 percent voted "yes" while 23 percent voted against the measure. However, the ballot question didn't address legalizing cannabis businesses in specific municipalities. So the results may differ from public opinion on whether residents want them in their communities.