Bernards Twp. Committee Looks Into Restrictions On Marijuana

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — While it's now legal to light it up in any New Jersey town, people might need to buy marijuana outside of Bernards Township. Several members of the Township Committee expressed support for prohibiting marijuana sales within town at Tuesday's meeting.

More than 70 percent of New Jersey voters chose to legalize adult use of marijuana last November, and Gov. Phil Murphy signed three weed-related bills into law Feb. 22.

About 70 cities and towns preemptively banned marijuana sales in anticipation of the drug becoming legal in the Garden State. Those towns will need to ban sales again.

Other municipal governing bodies, such as the Bernards Township Committee, have previously expressed support for a ban on sales but waited for the drug's legalization. New Jersey towns must readopt or pass such ordinances by Aug. 21.

Township Committee members discussed in executive session Tuesday what marijuana regulations they might be able to impose. Officials are working to put an ordinance on the table. Several committee members shared their positions during Tuesday's meeting.

"People are going to be able to — if they want their marijuana — they’re going to be able to get it," said Committeeperson James Baldassare, Jr. "But it’s just not gonna be here. They can have it delivered."

Resident Todd Edelstein told committee members he hoped the committee would prohibit marijuana sales and distribution, along with public smoking of the drug.

Several committee members expressed agreement. But Committeeperson Joseph F. Esposito mentioned one aspect outside of the municipal body's control.

"We learned in executive session that we can ban delivery licenses to businesses in Bernards Township," Esposito said, "but we cannot ban delivery in Bernards Township."

Bernards Township wouldn't be alone in passing marijuana restrictions. Bridgewater council unanimously passed on first reading four ordinances prohibiting marijuana dispensaries, the sale of the drug and smoking weed on public property within the township. Read more: 'Our Quality Of Life Is Not For Sale': Bridgewater On Pot Ban

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