Basking Ridge Bans Weed: 'We Will Always Put Our Residents First'

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township Committee unanimously passed two ordinances on Tuesday night essentially prohibiting the sale of marijuana in town and smoking on public property within the township.

"This decision was not taken lightly or based on emotion, it was based on the fact of who we are as a community. Putting our community and our safety first is an oath we swore - each one of us on the township committee," said Mayor Janice Fields.

During the Tuesday night committee meeting, multiple residents including Ridge High School students spoke and supported the decision to ban the use and sale in the township.

One resident said the decision was a "no brainer."

One non-resident, Hugh Giordano, a Union representative of cannabis workers, was the only person to comment in favor of having cannabis business in town.

"Our quality of life and vitality do not benefit from cannabis. Our businesses, our children and our residents benefit in no way from the presence of cannabis establishments," said Fields. "While other communities may choose to pursue this in a different direction, we remain committed to a vision of Bernards that is rooted in shared values and proven ways to bring businesses into our community that have a positive impact on Bernard Township and its residents. We will always put our community first."

Basking Ridge joins multiple Somerset County towns in this decision including Bridgewater, Warren, and Hillsborough.

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