Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Could Come To Madison

MADISON, NJ — The Madison Council began what has been a long road to potentially introducing a marijuana dispensary to the town at the beginning of the year.

During a council meeting late last month, Resolution 131-2022 was passed, which reviewed the planning board's recommendation on medical cannabis dispensaries, in relation to Ordinance 18-2022, which amends the Madison Borough code on land development.

Resolution 131-2022 determined that the Master Plan was drafted and adopted prior to the passage of the "New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act," which established a comprehensive regulatory and licensing framework for cannabis operations, use and possession.

Members of the planning board stated in the initial finding that the development of cannabis dispensaries is not consistent with the master plan because the dispensaries do not fit into a preexisting category.

During a council discussion, Councilmember Ehrlich stated that, on the contrary, she believes it is consistent with land use because other treatment centers, such as chiropractor and Botox services, are available in the borough, and medical cannabis is another alternative treatment.

"It is consistent with other uses we have, especially in our gateway district," Ehrlich said.

The Madison City Council also passed Ordinance 15-2022, which amends the borough code to include the phrase "medical cannabis dispensary." The ordinance lays out clearly the rules and requirements that future developers must follow in order to legally open a medical cannabis dispensary in Madison.

Mayor Bob Conley did not vote on the Ordinance but stated his support for it.

"It is a very hot topic, personally I firmly believe that medical marijuana has made a great difference in many people's lives… it controls pain related to cancer and other things. For those that need it, it is very important," Conley said.

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