Cannabis Dispensary In Princeton? Not Until The Fall

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton's Cannabis Task Force (CTF) has decided to “opt-out” of marijuana businesses “in the short term” ahead of the Aug. 21 deadline, Eve Niedergang chair of CTF said during the June 28 Council meeting.

The decision was made a day after the CTF held a public meeting on June 23.

“After some discussion the day after the public meeting, the Cannabis Task Force has agreed to opt-out in the short term, while continuing to do research to answer outstanding questions with the idea of presenting an opt-in ordinance to the Council sometime in the fall,” Niedergang said.

Municipalities have until Aug. 21 to decide on whether to allow marijuana businesses in their townships.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is expected to roll out its rules and regulations governing the marijuana industry around the same time municipalities have to pass ordinances banning all cannabis businesses or limiting their presence in town. This leaves many townships in a tough spot as it forces municipalities to make their choice before reviewing the new regulations. The “opt-out” gives municipalities the option to review the new rules and regulations and make changes accordingly.

New Jersey voters approved recreational marijuana in November 2020. But it wasn't legal until Gov. Phil Murphy signed the official framework into law on Feb. 22 this year.

Read More Here: 5 Things You Need To Know About Marijuana Legalization In NJ

When the legalization bill was crafted, lawmakers left room for municipalities to ban or limit the number of cannabis businesses in their communities. Municipalities have a 180-day period from when the bill was enacted to pass a law banning marijuana businesses.

However, if they fail to pass an ordinance in that time, townships will be able to repeal or alter their ordinances. Not only will marijuana businesses be allowed to operate, but local officials won't have another chance to issue a ban for the next five years.

Read More Here: Marijuana Is Legal In NJ. But Can Towns Still Ban It?

The CTF public meeting was attended by around 50 participants, most of whom were in favor of a dispensary in town. However, many details like where, when, and how are yet to be worked out.

The CTF said six potential zones were identified for a possible cannabis dispensary in the future — The Central Business District, Jugtown, Witherspoon North, 206 North, Princeton Shopping Center, and the Dinky area (south).

The CTF will also address retail zone considerations like how many retailers will be allowed in town, with a focus on minority ownership. They also discussed the need to educate the members of the public of all ages about the potential risks and benefits of cannabis.

During the CTF meeting, some residents opposed the idea of a local dispensary as they were concerned about the effects on children. "Underage youth in town are purchasing marijuana through illegal venues and we have no way of controlling the quality or content of that product in the market," said Colleen Exter, resident and member of the CTF. "Part of our hope is that some of that illegal marketing might leave town if we have legal dispensaries." She said it wouldn't be hard to screen minors from purchasing cannabis at dispensaries.

Princeton is not the only township to “opt-out” currently. South Brunswick introduced an ordinance prohibiting all cannabis business operations in the township. The ordinance will be brought before the council on July 27, and it's expected to pass during the meeting.

The next meeting of the CTF will be held July 8, at 1: 30 p.m.

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