Freehold Twp Committee Bans Pot Cultivation, Retail In Town

FREEHOLD, NJ - The Freehold Township Committee recently adopted two ordinances aimed at barring cannabis-related businesses from operating in town.

During a June 22 meeting, the Freehold Township Committee voted to adopt one ordinance prohibiting pot cultivators, delivery services, manufacturers, retailers and distributors from operating in the township. While medicinal dispensaries will be able to operate, on-site outdoor consumption areas will not be allowed. The legislation is an amendment to a 2018 ordinance that banned both the sale and manufacturing of pot in the township.

Per the first ordinance, medical dispensaries can now only operate in the town’s hospital zone.

The second ordinance adopted prohibits the use of pot by those under 21 years old on both private and public property. It also created a new municipal codebook chapter dubbed “Recreational Cannabis.”

While New Jersey voters opted to approve legalization of marijuana during the November 2020 general election 67.1 percent to 32.9 percent, local municipalities like Freehold can still ban pot businesses from selling or cultivating in town. In Monmouth County, the vote breaks down to an even-closer 65.6 percent to 34.4 percent.

Any action will need to be taken quickly by New Jersey towns, as the exact deadline to pass an ordinance banning or limiting the number of cannabis establishments and establishing civil penalties for violation of ordinances is Aug. 21, according to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Related: Marijuana Is Legal In NJ. But Can Towns Still Ban It?

Freehold residents should also know that, regardless of what businesses can operate in town, it won't limit their ability to consume cannabis or get cannabis delivered from an outside service. Adults 21 and over are allowed to consume cannabis on private property. Cannabis has also been decriminalized in New Jersey, and you can possess up to six ounces of marijuana or 17 grams of hashish without penalty. Read more: 5 Things You Need To Know About Marijuana Legalization In NJ

Click here to read both ordinances.