Holmdel Introduces Ordinance Banning Pot Retailers, Growers

HOLMDEL, NJ - After assessing the potential fiscal and quality of life impact for the township, the Holmdel Township Committee introduced only one of two ordinances on the agenda Tuesday night aimed at defining cannabis’ role in the municipality.

Tuesday’s Holmdel Township Committee meeting saw a unanimous vote to introduce an ordinance which, if adopted, would ban all forms of cannabis business operations within town borders, including retailers, growers, manufacturers, delivery services and distributors.

A separate and opposing ordinance on the agenda, which would allow for the growth of cannabis by licensed growers in Holmdel, was not introduced by the governing body.

Committeeman Tom Critelli noted that, following last month’s divisive meeting, he had reached out to local farmers to see if there would be interest in cannabis cultivation.

“To my surprise, nobody has expressed any interest in cultivating marijuana in this town,” Critelli said. “In fact, they don’t want to be burdened with any legal remedies that go around it and restrictions.”

Committeeman Prakash Santhana echoed Critelli’s statement, adding that the growth of cannabis in Holmdel would be the only form of cannabis operation that would “have a limited impact on the character of Holmdel.”

However, Santhana noted that given the size, zoning climate and character of the township, cannabis cultivation in Holmdel would have “very limited revenue potential, not to mention the very significant public opposition to allowing the cultivation of marijuana.”

“I’m therefore inclined to not pursue this opportunity and focus on projects that would have a significantly higher revenue potential with more favorable public opinion,” Santhana said.

A public hearing on the ordinance is set for a later date.

Any action will need to be taken by the township committee by next month as the exact deadline to pass an ordinance banning or limiting the number of cannabis establishments and establishing civil penalties for violation of ordinances is Aug. 21, according to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Related: Marijuana Is Legal In NJ. But Can Towns Still Ban It?

Several other municipalities in Monmouth County are considering pot's role in town, including Manalapan, Howell and Marlboro. Freehold and Colts Neck have already taken steps to have an outright ban on pot retailers, manufacturers and cultivators within town limits.

Holmdel residents should also know that, regardless of what businesses can operate in town, it won't limit their ability to consume cannabis or get cannabis delivered from an outside service. Adults 21 and over are allowed to consume cannabis on private property. Cannabis has also been decriminalized in New Jersey, and you can possess up to six ounces of marijuana or 17 grams of hashish without penalty. Read more: 5 Things You Need To Know About Marijuana Legalization In NJ

Watch the full meeting below: