Aberdeen To Consider Allowing Cannabis Businesses

ABERDEEN, NJ — Cannabis businesses could soon be allowed to operate in the township.

A measure that would permit cannabis cultivators, cannabis manufacturers, cannabis wholesalers, cannabis distributors and cannabis delivery services to operate in the township, subject to special requirements, will be heard for a second reading final passage by the township council at its July 22 meeting.

A public hearing will also be held on the ordinance, which amends the township's redevelopment plan. The measure was first introduced and passed at a special meeting on July 8.

The July 22 council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the township's municipal building, 1 Aberdeen Square.

In November, more than two-thirds of New Jersey voters approved of the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis, and in February, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the legislation into law.

Municipalities across New Jersey have until Aug. 21 to determine whether or not they wish to prohibit or limit the operation of cannabis businesses in their towns. If a town does not take action, the growing and selling of cannabis will automatically be permitted in industrial zones for a five-year period, and the retail sale of cannabis would be permitted as a conditional use in all commercial and retail zones for a five-year period.