Colts Neck: New Ordinance Bans All Pot Businesses In Town

COLTS NECK, NJ - The Colts Neck Township Committee recently adopted an ordinance barring any cannabis-related businesses from operating within town limits.

During a recent meeting, the committee voted to adopt an ordinance prohibiting pot cultivators, delivery services, manufacturers, retailers and distributors from operating in Colts Neck.

“The township has determined that businesses selling marijuana and farms cultivating marijuana require special concern for security, safety and location,” the ordinance reads. “There is no area in the township which can safely house a business selling, manufacturing or growing marijuana and.or paraphernalia that facilitates the use of such marijuana. The township committee finds that it is in the best interest of the township and general public welfare to ban all business [sic] selling marijuana and/or paraphernalia facilitating the use of marijuana and the growing or manufacturing of marijuana within the township.”

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 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.

Several other municipalities in Monmouth County are considering pot’s role in town, including Manalapan, Holmdel and Marlboro. Freehold has similarly taken steps to outrightly ban pot retailers, manufacturers and cultivators within town limits.

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?

Colts Neck 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