B'Ville Officials Delay Marijuana-Business Ban Vote

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — A vote on an ordinance that would ban marijuana-based businesses has been delayed until next month at the earliest.

A public hearing on the ordinance was Monday, and a vote by the Borough Council was slated to follow. However, the council continued the public hearing until Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., said Borough Clerk Anthony Suriano.

The ordinance, if approved, would prohibit businesses that sell, distribute, cultivate, or grow either recreational or medicinal marijuana. Such "proposed alternative treatment centers are not compatible" with the borough's land development ordinances, the legislation states.

The ordinance would become law immediately after it is passed and the public is notified of its passage.

Efforts by state officials earlier this year to legalize marijuana in New Jersey fell about five votes short in the State Legislature. But the matter could be up for another vote by the legislature later this year has reportedly been renewed.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com