Hillsborough Looks To Ban Marijuana Sales In Township

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough is joining a growing number of towns in Somerset County that are banning the sale of marijuana.

Hillsborough’s Township Committee will introduce an ordinance prohibiting marijuana sales within the township during the Tuesday, April 27 meeting.

"This ordinance will enable us to evaluate marijuana sales and usage in other communities so we can make an informed judgement on how to approach the same in Hillsborough," said Mayor Shawn Lipani. "It is a quality of life issue intended to act in the best interest of Hillsboroughresidents, families, business owners and visitors to the township, in regard to health, safety and welfare."

The ordinance prohibits cannabis establishments, delivery services and distributors from operating anywhere within the Township of Hillsborough, except for the delivery of cannabis and related supplies by a delivery service.

This will be the first reading of the ordinance. The meeting will be held virtually at 7:30 p.m. The township is inviting the public to discuss the proposed ordinance at its committee meeting on Tuesday, May 25.

To join the meeting:

Zoom:
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Telephone:
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International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/acoNeKJ5jH

Hillsborough isn't the first town in Somerset County to take such measures against marijuana businesses. Bridgewater banned the sale of marijuana in town and smoking on public property on township property earlier this month. Read More: Bridgewater Bans Marijuana Sales Despite Public Disapproval

Warren also introduced a similar ordinance last week. Read More: Warren To Vote On Banning Marijuana Sales, Dispensaries

Bernards Township is also looking to prohibiting marijuana sales within town. Read More: Bernards Twp. Committee Looks Into Restrictions On Marijuana

Just as other towns have noted, Hillsborough also stated that the state is only giving towns 6 months or until Aug. 21 to enact these ordinances. If not, the township wouldn't be able to ban cannabis businesses from coming to town for 5 years.

Hillsborough's ordinance does not prohibit residents from partaking in cannabis usage on their own property, private club or as the law permits, but it will enable lawmakers to gather more information on how to best approach marijuana sales and usage in the community.

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