Cannabis Businesses Prohibited In Chester Borough For Now

CHESTER, NJ — After its ordinance prohibiting recreational cannabis businesses from opening in Chester Borough was delayed in June, the council unanimously passed it on Tuesday night.

On June 15, the ordinance was initially up for its public hearing, but went back to the Land Use Board and County of Morris for another review.

Like many municipalities throughout New Jersey including neighboring Chester Township, Chester Borough has said it will hold off on allowing recreational marijuana businesses within its borders, until it learns more about the State of New Jersey’s regulations, which are expected to be set on Aug. 22.

Chester Township held a Town Hall with experts on June 15 to understand more about cannabis laws, with Melissa Reilly and Brad Meisel of the firm McElroy Deutsch answering questions.

Chester Borough Mayor Janet Hoven and Chester Township Mayor Marcia Asdal have each said adopting an ordinance to allow recreational marijuana businesses binds municipalities for five years to their decision. A prohibition ordinance instead gives towns time to explore the issues more. The state has set an Aug. 22 deadline for municipalities to have an ordinance on the books to either allow or prohibit recreational marijuana businesses.

“We’re just saying ‘no’ for now,” Hoven had said.

Mendham Borough adopted its recreational cannabis prohibition ordinance on May 24, with Mendham Township’s prohibition ordinance up for adoption on July 12.

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