Brick Council Bans Businesses Dealing In Marijuana For 5 Years

BRICK, NJ — Saying that the economic benefits of allowing marijuana to be sold by local businesses would garner less than $66,000, the Brick Township Council has banned establishments selling, distributing, or manufacturing cannabis for five years.

The council voted unanimously to pass the measure at its meeting Tuesday night to prohibit marijuana-related businesses in Brick despite recreational marijuana being legalized in New Jersey after Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill into law earlier this year.

Local municipalities had 180 days to enact a ban if they wished from the time of the law taking effect. Council President Lisa Crate told the council Tuesday night that marijuana sales would bring the township less than $66,000 in tax revenue, the Asbury Park Press reported.

If the township had not acted within the 180-day state-imposed deadline, it would have no say in how retail marijuana is regulated for the next five years. Last fall, nearly 65 percent of Brick residents voted in approval to legalize the use of recreational weed by adults.

The recently signed state law allows New Jersey residents 21 years and older to have up to six ounces of marijuana in their possession without facing punishment.