Marlboro: New Ordinance Seeks To Ban Pot Businesses In Town

MARLBORO, NJ - A proposed ordinance read at a recent Marlboro Township Council meeting is aiming to ban all future pot cultivators and retailers in town.

At the June 17 mayor and council meeting, the governing body introduced an ordinance to fully ban all pot businesses, distributors, growers and related services. A public hearing for the ordinance is set for July 15, with members of the public invited to comment. The council could possibly take action at the meeting following the hearing.

“The Township Council of the Township of Marlboro has determined that, it is necessary and appropriate, and in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of Township of Marlboro’s residents and members of the public who visit, travel or conduct business in the Township of Marlboro to prohibit all classes of cannabis establishments, distributors or delivery licenses and services,” the ordinance reads.

All council members present voted yes for introduction, according to Deputy Municipal Clerk Jennifer Johnson.

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.

Any action will need to be taken by the Township Council by July 2021 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?

Marlboro 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