Princeton Opts For Temporary Ban On Marijuana Businesses

PRINCETON, NJ — The Council decided to temporarily opt-out of permitting marijuana businesses to operate in town by passing an ordinance that bans all six categories of cannabis businesses. The town council voted on the ordinance during Monday’s meeting.

As reported earlier by Patch, the opt-out ordinance is only temporary, and it gives the Cannabis Task Force (CTF) enough time to draft recommendations for an opt-in ordinance that they hope to present sometime this year. (To read the opt-out ordinance, click here)

Princeton, like other municipalities, was facing a state deadline of Aug. 21 to decide whether to allow or block marijuana businesses in town. If the township failed to pass the ordinance, not only will marijuana businesses be allowed to operate, but officials won't have another chance to issue a ban for the next five years.

The opt-out ordinance also gives the township time to review the new rules and regulations the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is expected to roll out on Aug. 22.

Councilwoman Mia Sacks said that the CFT had renowned experts from the state and country advising them and she was confident of the decision made, as it took a “well-thought-out, reasoned” approach.

“In order to move forward in the best way possible, there simply wasn’t the time,” Sacks said, referring to the looming deadline. “I always supported the approach in which you take more time rather than rushing and getting it wrong.”

Read More Here: Princeton Council Introduces Ordinance Banning Marijuana Biz

Read More Here: Cannabis Dispensary In Princeton? Not Until The Fall

Councilwoman Michelle Piron Lambros said the task force was working “diligently” by meeting through the summer and planning several community meetings. “The task force is coming to some consensus, but there’s a lot to it,” Piron Lambros said. “We also want to make sure to keep the vision and mission of looking for social justice and equity issues when we're making these decisions.”

Several statewide experts who attended a recent presentation said Princeton is taking a good leadership role in being thoughtful about the marijuana ordinance, Piron Lambros said.

Councilwoman Leticia Fraga said the CTF is being “deliberate in drafting recommendations” for what opting in would look like.

“We do want to engage the public, get public input in not just one but maybe two community meetings,” Fraga said. The first community meeting is expected to be held in mid-September, Fraga said.

The CTF will address retail zoning, like how many retailers will be allowed in town, with a focus on minority ownership among other important considerations. They will also look into ways to educate members of the public of all ages about the potential risks and benefits of cannabis.

Councilman Dwaine Williamson asked the public not to think that the council has “prejudged where to go with cannabis.” “Opting out at this point means keeping the option open.”

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