Marlboro Officials Ban Pot Growers, Retailers In Town

MARLBORO, NJ - The primary governing body of Marlboro Township has voted to ban all cannabis-related businesses in the municipality following a July 15 public hearing.

Municipalities across the state are now scrambling to meet the Aug. 21 deadline to pass an ordinance banning or limiting the number of cannabis establishments and establishing civil penalties for violation of ordinances. Related: Marijuana Is Legal In NJ. But Can Towns Still Ban It?

If a town does nothing or waits until after the deadline, cannabis retailers, growers, distributors, manufacturers and delivery services will be allowed to move into existing industrial and retail zones in the state.

Four Marlboro officials - council president Jeff Cantor, vice president Scott Metzger, councilwoman Randi Marder and councilwoman Carol Mazzola voted to adopt the motion (councilman Michael Scalea was not present during the hearing).

“The Township Council of the Township of Marlboro has determined that, it is necessary and appropriate, and in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of Township of Marlboro's residents and members of the public who visit, travel or conduct business in the Township of Marlboro to prohibit all classes of cannabis establishments, distributors or delivery licenses and services,” the ordinance reads.

Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik noted that the decision to bar cannabis businesses in town is a “local business decision” as the “possible costs outweigh the benefits of having those businesses in town.” Hornik added that the cost of having cannabis operations in town do not outweigh the tax benefits.

Marlboro residents should know that, regardless of what businesses can operate in town, it won't limit the 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