Weed Building In North Jersey Taking Measures To Block Smell

READINGTON, NJ — Residents of a North Jersey town who don't like the smell of cannabis in the morning may be in luck. Verano Holdings released plans to upgrade its medical-marijuana facility after Readington locals complained about the smell emanating from the building.

The 120,000-square-foot cultivation facility opened April at the site of a shuttered Walmart. But some residents thought the new neighbor brought a strong smell from its Route 22 site.

Read more: New Weed Joint Stinking Up North Jersey Town, Locals Say: Report

As a result, Verano is bringing in some upgrades.

“For more than a year, Verano and Readington Township have been designing, discussing and approving a comprehensive site plan that includes measures to further seal the building to reduce odor emanation," said a company statement to Patch. "Based on neighbor concerns, Verano has proposed to install additional carbon filters as part of the overall site plan at the property. We are optimistic that the engineering reviews will end shortly so that work can begin. We have the equipment on-site and will begin work as soon as local approvals are granted and permits are issued."

Verano estimates the new features will take about six weeks to construct, connect and install, but they will "significantly" reduce odors near the facility. The company's vice president of legal real estate sent a letter to Readington's mayor and administrator with the proposed changes.

The Readington facility is not a dispenary. Zen Leaf, which Verano operates, has three New Jersey shops, according to its website — in Elizabeth, Neptune and Lawrence Township.

The land in Readington is zoned for agricultural use, and Verano received a license to operate in early 2020.