Bridgewater Bans Marijuana Sales Despite Public Disapproval

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Bridgewater Council unanimously voted to pass four ordinances that essentially prohibit marijuana dispensaries from coming to Bridgewater, prohibiting the sale of marijuana in town and smoking on public property within the township.

The vote was made on Monday night following an hour-long public hearing session where the majority of the written comments and speakers voiced their opposition to two of the ordinances — specifically 10a and 10 b prohibiting the operation of any cannabis business within the township and prohibiting the operation of any marijuana establishments in the township.

"I am truly dismayed that we have a council that is deaf to the will of the people," said Elizabeth Hutchin during the meeting.

Jill Gladstone, who is currently running for council on the Democratic ticket, also called on Mayor Matthew Moench specifically during the meeting.

"You were elected to represent the Bridgewater residents not to impose your own personal preferences and beliefs on the committee. You also are not representing our community well by rushing this through. You are using fear to justify a knee-jerk reaction against a popular statewide and municipal-wide initiative," said Gladstone.

Moench said the passage of the ordinances had nothing to do with his personal opinions on marijuana legalization and instead had to do with the uncertainty of the rules that have not been set by the state yet.

"We have no idea what the traffic impact of cannabis businesses would be. If there would be any nuisance or loitering issues outside these businesses or impacts on public safety," said Moench.

Moench noted that the township only has until August to enact these ordinances. If not, the township wouldn't be able to do this for 5 years. However, if the township sees that the business can be good for the township, they can reverse the ordinances.

Councilman Timothy Ring raised several questions since the state has yet to confirm its regulations on the cannabis business. He questioned how would these businesses impact the township? How many cannabis businesses would be allowed in the township? Would it be tied to population like liquor licenses?

"There are so many unanswered questions. Quite frankly that our state legislature and governor allowed this to go through the way it's done where we have to opt-out for five years... before the cannabis regulatory commission comes out with the rules. To me, it's like taking a personal blank check and signing it over to somebody. You don't know what you are signing on for until after the fact," said Ring.

A couple of residents also called out Council President Filipe Pedroso for his giftapart.com business that sells cannabis products.

Pedroso clarified saying that his business does not sell marijuana or any marijuana paraphernalia. Instead, he said his site allows retailers to sell their products such as a cannabis leaf wig, T-shirts, or oil.

Council Vice President Allen Kurdyla who voted in favor of all four ordinances did note that once regulations are in place he would be in support of a medical marijuana facility coming to the township.

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