Ban On Marijuana Businesses Under Consideration In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township Committee discussed adopting an ordinance on Thursday that would ban the sale of recreational marijuana in town.

Mayor Peter Curatolo and Committeeman Steven Kennis spoke in favor of the ordinance.

“I would support putting a prohibition ordinance for recreational marijuana in our town. I would rather have somebody purchase it somewhere else,” said Curatolo.

Lacey Township approved a similar ordinance in August, when the committee voted unanimously to prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana. That ordinance became invalid after Gov. Phil Murphy signed new legislation on Feb. 22 legalizing recreational marijuana use for adults.

“I’m opposed to the whole agenda behind this. I don't think it’s in the township’s best interest,” Kennis said.

Several community members and residents expressed concerns related to the sale of recreational marijuana during the public comment session.

Donna Carlow, director of the Xodus Recovery Community Center in Lanoka Harbor, shared her personal story of how marijuana, which she referred to as a gateway drug, impacted her two sons who are both in long-term recovery.

“Both are doing amazing in the field of recovery. Unfortunately, they have lost many friends to addiction,” she said. “I know some people are seeing revenue for the town. They see how much money these stores can bring to the township, but is anyone looking at how much money will be spent on the damage caused by these stores?”

Carlow is concerned that adults' access to recreational marijuana could still affect the youth in Lacey Township.

“You have to be 21 to purchase, but I think we all know that underage drinking is a real problem. Underage smoking will be no different,” she said.

Police Chief Michael DiBella said he has communicated with law enforcement officers in other states where marijuana has been legalized and learned how it impacted their services.

“They just went down a list—increase in DUIs...increased motor vehicle accidents, increased fatalities. They talked about increase in violent crime and obviously increased use among the juvenile population,” he said.

Resident Skip Peters asked the committee to consider adopting the prohibition ordinance based on the pushback expressed during the meeting.

“I don’t want this town being known for coming into purchase marijuana. I want this town to be known for its beautiful parks. I want this town to be known for our float down at the second lake there,” he said.

The other three officials on the five-person committee said they are still weighing the benefits and drawbacks of allowing the sale of recreational marijuana.

“I’m not saying I’m for. I’m not saying I’m against. I’m saying I like to gather all the information prior to making an educated decision,” Committeeman Mark Dykoff said.

According to Committeeman Timothy McDonald, Lacey Township voted 63-36 in favor of recreational marijuana.

“If this had been a 51-49, this is a no-brainer, but when you have almost two-thirds of those who voted who want recreational marijuana, we as politicians got to listen to our constituents,” he said.

The committee will announce when an official vote on the ordinance is scheduled.

“I did hear my colleagues to my left say they were for it a couple of weeks ago. I’m glad they may be reconsidering. I think it’s good to weigh all the options,” Curatolo said.

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