Cannabis Shops In Cranford? Not Just Yet, Says Township Committee

CRANFORD, NJ — Now that marijuana is legal for recreational use in New Jersey, the Cranford Township Committee took a first step Tuesday night to ban any cannabis-related businesses in town for the foreseeable future.

The Committee voted to introduce an ordinance to "temporarily pause" the opening of cannabis businesses, town officials said in a release after the vote on Tuesday night.

Cranford and other towns in New Jersey are being required — according to recent state legislation — to decide by Aug. 21 whether to allow or ban any class of cannabis related businesses in their borders. (Related: Westfield Council Votes Against Cannabis Shops)

If a town votes to allow cannabis distributors and sellers, that ruling must stand for five years — but if a town votes against it, they can still change their mind at any time. That's why Cranford officials characterized the ban as a "pause" to consider all the details.

"This pause allows the Township to take the necessary time to review all aspects of the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Act," explained the township in a release after the vote on Tuesday, "and determine how cannabis businesses best fit within our commercial districts. If the Committee did not take such action, the Township would be unable to adopt its own zoning, regulations and controls on Cannabis businesses for a period of five years."

The town added that the vote is "not intended as a final decision on the issue but rather an opportunity to thoroughly review the law and determine the best course of action for Cranford."

A public hearing on the ordinance, which amends local zoning to prohibit all uses within the act, will be held on July 13.

“This is an important discussion with many viewpoints," said Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty on Tuesday. "The Township Committee wants residents to have the opportunity to voice their opinions before we adopt local regulations."

Earlier this year, the Township created a Cannabis Legislation Working Group to get feedback from the public and make recommendations.

Commissioner Jason Gareis, who chairs the Working Group, said, “This ordinance is crucial to allow the Working Group time to review the State’s anticipated guidelines and digest the opinions of our residents. As with all issues before the Township Committee, we are committed to a transparent process with input from all residents.”

In 2020, Cranford residents voted 9,603 in favor of legalization and 4,209 against.

Don't Bother Crossing Border To Westfield For Weed

In a Facebook group for Westfield residents, someone commented on Tuesday, "Guys, relax. Cranford is allowing it so it won’t be long before the wonder trucks start delivering to select areas of Westfield."

Another commenter responded, "Do some research...Cranford is not allowing it."

In Westfield, Mayor Shelley Brindle had assembled at 17-member Cannabis Commission earlier this year to listen to the public and make recommendations.

On Tuesday night, Westfield's Town Council took a similar step to Cranford, voting to introduce a measure banning cannabis businesses for now. READ MORE: No Pot For Now: Westfield Town Council Votes Against Cannabis Shops

As far as other nearby towns, Maplewood is allowing cannabis shops and Millburn voted against the shops (see related stories below).

Related cannabis news near Cranford

• Large Marijuana Dispensary Opens In Maplewood
• 'Female CannaBoss' Opens Hemp And CBD Shop In Maplewood
• Maplewood To Consider Local Marijuana Tax
• Millburn Town Committee Answers Question: Medical Pot, Or Not?
• Millburn Hosts A Forum On Marijuana

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