Westfield's New Cannabis Commission Seeks Public Input Thursday

WESTFIELD, NJ — The town of Westfield's new Cannabis Commission will host a public meeting via Zoom on Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. to provide an update on its activities and seek public input on various decisions the town will have to make.

The recent legalization of marijuana in New Jersey — for recreational use (in 2020) and for medical use (in 2010) — raises questions for each town: Should they allow dispensaries for medical use? Should they vote on a marijuana tax?

Under the most recent state legislation, all municipalities must take action to either opt in or opt out of permitting cannabis establishments or distributors to operate in the municipality.

The town has noted that:

• Once a municipality permits cannabis establishments or distributor operations in their community (i.e., once they “opt in”), that action remains valid for 5 years.
• If a community opts out, it can thereafter decide to opt in, even before the expiration of the 5-year period.

Cannabis Commission

This year, Mayor Shelley Brindle assembled a Cannabis Commission, led by Councilmen Parmelee and Dardia in their roles as Chairs of the Code Review & Town Property and Public Safety & Transportation Committees, to make recommendations to the Town Council about how to move forward.

Part of that involves holding a "public input meeting," which will take place this week. Public comments are also being collected by email at CannabisComments@westfieldnj.gov through May 20.

The meeting will also be streamed on Facebook Live, but anyone wishing to speak must join by Zoom at https://bit.ly/051321Commission.

Details about the commission, its purpose, and its members can be found at westfieldnj.gov/cannabis_commission.

Related cannabis news in and near Westfield

• Large Marijuana Dispensary Opens In Maplewood
• 'Female CannaBoss' Opens Hemp And CBD Shop In Maplewood
• Maplewood To Consider Local Marijuana Tax
• Millburn Town Committee Answers Question: Medical Pot, Or Not?
• Millburn Hosts A Forum On Marijuana

Find out about state laws here.

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