Who Should Have Authority On Morristown Pot Shops? Ordinance Advances Amid Debate

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Town Council advanced an ordinance that, if passed, would allow for cannabis dispensaries in Morristown. But it wasn't before officials had a lively discussion over who should have the authority to sign off on local licenses for compliance.

Subscribe to Patch for local news updates to your inbox. (It's free): https://patch.com/subscribe

The ordinance would allow for up to two medical and/or recreational dispensaries to operate in Morristown. They would only be able to go in the Central Business District and zone MX-2 — Ridgedale and Madison Avenues, plus a portion of Martin Luther King Avenue. They also must be at least 1,000 feet from a grade school and 200 feet from houses of worship.

The 16-page ordinance lays out several regulations, including legal hours of operation and taxes. It also states who would serve on the Town Cannabis Advisory Board, which prompted some debate at Tuesday's Town Council meeting. Read more: 5 Things To Know About Morristown's Proposed Cannabis Ordinance

New Jerseyans voted to legalize adult use of recreational weed by a 2-to-1 margin last year, with 77 percent of Morristown voting in favor.

"None of us feel really comfortable with this, but it is the law," said 1st Ward Council Member Robert Iannaccone. "The public has voted on it, and to deny access I think is not right."

Town Council would have the authority to activate, suspend or revoke licenses. But the five-member advisory board would review all applicants for local licensing. Then applicants would have 18 months to get a state license. (Applicants must have a property lined up before applying for a state license, which is why municipal authorities would administer licenses first.)

The board would include the following:

• mayor or designee
• Town Council designee
• director of law
• chief of police
• business administrator

But some council members and a member of the public asked whether the board should also contain different types of experts — perhaps an educator or a medical professional. Council Member-At-Large David Silva, a church pastor, said he has devoted time to helping people overcome substance abuse, and adding a doctor or teacher to the panel could help mitigate issues and increase public confidence.

Several officials countered that the ordinance mainly pertains to zoning of dispensaries. The state has the capability to determine the competence and community impact of each applicant, they said.

Town Attorney David Minchello also mentioned that those denied local licenses may appeal and take it to the courts.

"As legal counsel, I have the ability to advise both elected officials and employees with regard to the actions we take," Minchello said. "If we include other members of the public, the process could get away from us. And the legal advice I give to that board could be compromised."

Council members voted unanimously — outside of Michael Elms, with an excused absence — to introduce the ordinance. Next, the Planning Board will review its consistency with the town's master plan Dec. 2. If it advances, the ordinance would move back to council for further consideration Dec. 14.

Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Morristown Patch Facebook page.