Weed Dispensaries Still On The Table For Morristown's Future

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Cannabis dispensaries may still have a future in Morristown. Township Council President Stefan Armington expects the town to introduce an ordinance on the matter next month.

The topic came up at Tuesday's council meeting, when Chris Connors — a member of Morristown's marijuana advisory committee — asked what was delaying the introduction of a cannabis ordinance. Armington explained that the administration is reviewing whether the ordinance is consistent with state legislation.

"We anticipate it will be introduced or brought to the council for instruction in early November," Armington said.

The ordinance would create a zoning amendment designating where recreational or medical cannabis could be sold in town. Last spring, council members expressed openness to allowing one medical and one recreational dispensary — presumably in the same building. Read more: Morristown Ponders Limited Welcome For Weed Dispensaries

When the state legalized recreational weed for adults 21 and older, they gave cities and towns until Aug. 22 to pass rules banning such businesses. Morristown's council passed a temporary ban on cannabis businesses to prevent any such establishments from coming into town before they could pass a local ordinance.

With new state legislature passed last summer, the ordinance will need some minor changes, according to Town Attorney David Minchella.

"But overall, I think we’re in good shape," Minchello said.

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.