Pot Businesses OK In Red Bank Under Ordinance, Public Hearing Set

RED BANK, NJ - The primary governing body of Red Bank has unanimously introduced a new ordinance that aims to permit and regulate cannabis-related businesses that wish to operate in the borough, but will ban the public and underage consumption of cannabis within borough limits.

During a July 21 meeting, the borough council read the ordinance, which also specifically bans cannabis in borough parks and consumption on borough property. A local cannabis transfer tax and user tax in the borough is also included in the proposed legislation. Read the full ordinance here.

Under New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act passed earlier this year by Gov. Phil Murphy, six classes of licensed cannabis businesses may be allowed to operate in a given municipality. This includes manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, cultivators and delivery services.

Any action will need to be taken by the council soon as the exact deadline to pass an ordinance banning or limiting the number of cannabis establishments and establishing civil penalties for violation of ordinances is Aug. 21, according to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Related: Marijuana Is Legal In NJ. But Can Towns Still Ban It?

“Only qualified operators should be permitted to safely operate strictly regulated cannabis facilities within the Borough on a limited basis and subject to reasonable time, manner, and place restrictions, in order to balance the creation of jobs and economic opportunity within the Borough with public safety and the best interests of Borough residents,” the ordinance reads.

A public hearing scheduled for Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The planning board will separately consider the move until the council makes a final decision.

“This complies and conforms with the results of the voters referendum adoption of cannabis liberalization and also conforms with the most recent and ever-changing requirements of the Attorney General’s office regarding the implementation of the will of the people,” said Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna of the ordinance.

Red Bank residents should also know that, regardless of what businesses can operate in town, it won't limit their ability to consume cannabis or get cannabis delivered from an outside service. Adults 21 and over are allowed to consume cannabis on private property. Cannabis has also been decriminalized in New Jersey, and you can possess up to six ounces of marijuana or 17 grams of hashish without penalty. Read more: 5 Things You Need To Know About Marijuana Legalization In NJ