Weed Dispensary Zoning Gets Morristown Council's OK

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Prospective cannabis businesses now have a place in Morristown. Town Council passed an ordinance allowing zoning for up to two recreational and/or medical dispensaries in town, which would be limited to certain areas.

The regulations limit potential dispensaries to 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 ordinance passed on a 6-0 vote at Tuesday's council meeting. Council President Stefan Armington called it "a very difficult decision." But he referenced last year's statewide referendum in which 77 percent of Morristown residents voted in favor of legalizing adult use of recreational weed.

"For the record, we’ve received numerous letters and requests to oppose this ordinance," Armington said. "However, the will of the people was spoken through the public referendum."

But Morristown won't become the destination for a pot shop overnight.

A Town Cannabis Advisory Board would review all applicants for local licensing. But Town Council would have the authority to activate, suspend or revoke any licenses. Successful applicants will then have up to 18 months to obtain a state license.

Last week, the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved for 30 additional companies to sell medical marijuana — 10 apiece in North, Central and South Jersey. But municipalities for the businesses were not listed. Read more: 30 New Medical Pot Shops Are Coming To NJ

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission opened the application process Wednesday for marijuana growers, processors and testing labs. It will open applications for recreational dispensaries March 15.

The Morristown ordinance also limits dispensaries' hours, only allowing business to occur between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12-8 p.m. Sundays.

It also establishes a 2 percent transfer tax on all sales or transfers of cannabis products in Morristown weed establishments. The same rate would apply to the purchase price of any medical cannabis from a dispensary within town.

Additionally, a 1 percent transfer tax would occur for each sale by a cannabis wholesaler within town boundaries.

Fourth Ward Council Member Sandi Mayer said that even if Morristown banned dispensaries, it wouldn't prevent people from using cannabis in town.

"Even if the town banned it, cannabis is going to be delivered to Morristown," Mayer said. "Even if we say no to it, it’s going to be here. So I’d rather know that we have control over what is sold in our town."

Watch the full Town Council meeting below:

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