Marijuana Sales May Be Banned In Hillsborough, Public Hearing Set

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The public will have a chance to speak Tuesday night before the Hillsborough Mayor and Committee is expected to vote on an ordinance that essentially prohibits the sale of marijuana within the township.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex. Residents can also join in virtually:

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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.

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.

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.

"This ordinance will enable us to evaluate marijuana sales and usage in other communities so we can make an informed judgment on how to approach the same in Hillsborough," said Mayor Shawn Lipani previously. "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."

Not everyone is in favor of banning cannabis in Hillsborough. Our Revolution Hillsborough(ORH), a grassroots political action organization, is in opposition of the township's ordinance. Read More: Hillsborough Group Opposes Banning Sale Of Marijuana In Township

"Hillsborough residents voted this past November 15,516 to 8,677 to legalize recreational cannabis. Their decision to deny any retail recreational businesses overrides the vast majority of Hillsborough residents who voted in favor of it," ORH stated.

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 banned the sale of marijuana on May 13. Bernards Township will also hold a public hearing and vote on prohibiting marijuana sales within town on Tuesday night. Read More: Bernards Twp. Committee Looks Into Restrictions On Marijuana

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