West Orange OKs Cannabis Dispensary License For 'Pure Natural Vibes'

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Town Council took action on two marijuana-related items at their meeting this week, including the approval of a local business license for a new cannabis dispensary.

The council unanimously voted in favor of Resolution 117-24, which authorizes a retail cannabis license for Pure Natural Vibes LLC. The company will operate a retail dispensary at 470 Prospect Avenue.

The business has already acquired site plan approval from the West Orange Planning Board and received final approval from the state for a class 5 cannabis retail license.

According to the dispensary’s website, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. As with all New Jersey cannabis dispensaries, customers must be 21 years or older; identification is required.

The company’s website offers the following background about its founders and mission:

“Pure Natural Vibes is a true labor of love nurtured by our CEO, Darnnelle Gibbs, and his spouse Nordia Gibbs. As a veteran and minority-owned business, and as residents of an impact zone, we take immense pride in our contributions to both our local community and beyond. We are committed to ensuring that our customers have access to the safest and most effective cannabis products available. We are dedicated to educating our adult users about responsible consumption and staying abreast of the latest cannabis laws and regulations. Whether you are a seasoned cannabis enthusiast, or someone just beginning to explore this fascinating realm, our team at Pure Natural Vibes is here to provide guidance every step of the way.”

Darnelle Gibbs – a U.S. Air Force veteran – spoke to the council about the dispensary’s mission at Tuesday’s meeting (watch the video below, cued to his statements).

CANNABIS ORDINANCE

The council voted to introduce an ordinance that would amend the town’s current cannabis business regulations at their Tuesday meeting. The ordinance was advanced on first reading; it faces a public hearing and second vote.

According to the text of the ordinance:

“The purpose of this ordinance is to update the provision of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange governing the local licensing requirements and zoning conditions for Licensed Cannabis Entities within the Township of West Orange to: (i) update and amend the total number of local licenses allowable Licensed Cannabis Entities and specifying the maximum number of local license for specific categories of Licensed Cannabis Entities; and (ii) to create a separate parking requirement under the Zoning Conditions for Licensed Cannabis Cultivators and Licensed Cannabis Manufacturers who operate as Targeted Microbusinesses based on the existing regulations that limit the number of employees for those microbusinesses.”

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