Lawrence To Allow Marijuana Businesses To Operate In Township

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — The Lawrence Town Council introduced an ordinance that allows marijuana businesses to operate in selected areas within the municipality.

During the June 15 meeting, the council introduced Ordinance 2400-21 that permits retail, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and delivery of cannabis.

By introducing the ordinance, the council hopes to get ahead of the Aug. 21 deadline set for municipalities to decide whether to allow or block marijuana retail.

If municipalities fail to pass an ordinance in that time, townships will not be able to repeal or alter their ordinances. As a result, not only will marijuana businesses be allowed to operate, but officials won't have another chance to issue a ban or restriction for the next five years.

A public hearing on the ordinance is set for July 20, during the council meeting.

The ordinance introduced by Lawrence township permits sale and delivery in the Regional Commercial and Highway Commercial zones, but no more than two businesses are allowed to operate in town.

However, an exception was made for “any currently licensed medicinal marijuana operator in the Township.”

Marijuana retailers and delivery services are restricted to storefront areas on Route 1 between Franklin Corner Road and Quakerbridge Road.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) is expected to roll out its rules and regulations governing the marijuana industry in August, around the same time municipalities have to pass ordinances.

In neighboring Princeton, the town council introduced an ordinance on Monday that temporarily prohibits all marijuana businesses. The council is waiting to see what regulations the CRC rolls out.

The township’s Cannabis Task Force hopes to present a limited opt-in ordinance focused on retail cannabis sales soon.

Read More Here: Princeton Council Introduces Ordinance Banning Marijuana Biz

New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved recreational marijuana in November 2020. But it wasn't legal until Gov. Phil Murphy signed it into law on Feb. 22. Adults 21 and above can now use marijuana on private property.

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