Garwood Council To Discuss Cannabis Businesses Thursday

GARWOOD, NJ — The Garwood Council will discuss whether to allow, limit, or ban cannabis businesses in the borough during its Thursday night meeting.

Garwood has until Aug. 21 to take action on amendments, zoning, licensing and regulations around cannabis establishments, per state law. If the borough chooses to ban cannabis businesses now they can reverse this action at any time. However, if the borough doesn't opt-out now they are locked in for the next 5 years.

The borough previously held a virtual town hall last week to hear the public's opinion and to discuss the measures related to cannabis dispensaries. Mayor Sara Todisco was joined by Police Chief James Wright, Borough Attorney Catherine DeAppolonio, and Health Officer Megan Avallone during the meeting.

Following the town hall, Todisco said she would like the borough to opt-out of allowing cannabis businesses in the borough as the state has not released rules regulating marijuana yet.

"After what I heard last night in addition to feedback from the Citizens' Advisory Council and all those who reached out to me individually, I would like to see Garwood OPT-OUT of permitting cannabis businesses in advance of the Aug. 21 deadline set by the State. We need to see the regulations/procedures set forth by the State Cannabis Commission, which is working on them now, first. Then, we can more fairly understand how cannabis businesses would be implemented and make an educated decision," said Todisco.

The council will discuss and could likely make a decision on cannabis businesses on Thursday. Action would need to be formalized by ordinance, which requires a meeting to introduce and a meeting for adoption.

Residents who may have missed the town hall meeting and would like to share their opinions on the matter can email the mayor at STodisco@garwood.org or email the entire governing body by emailing the Borough Administrator/Clerk at c-ariemma@garwood.org.

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