Fair Haven Bans Recreational Cannabis Businesses In Town

FAIR HAVEN, NJ — The Fair Haven Borough Council voted unanimously to ban cannabis businesses from operating in town during a meeting on Monday night.

Smoking marijuana in public spaces — including public streets, sidewalks and parking lots — will also be forbidden, according to the ordinance passed earlier this week.

"The Borough’s Mayor and Council are concerned about the health and safety problems posed by the legalization of cannabis products, the potential for abuse, and especially, any use by minors and/or operators of motor vehicles," the document states.

People smoking on public property are subject to a $200 fine. Smoking while underaged anywhere can also lead to a $100 fine for a first offense, $200 for a second and $350 for a third.

While cannabis establishments, distributors and cannabis delivery services can't operate out of Fair Haven, residents will still be able to order from outside of the borough and get the product delivered.

Marijuana use was legalized in New Jersey last year, but state lawmakers left it up to each town to decide if they wanted to ban or limit the number of dispensaries locally.

There was a 180-day deadline on this decision, so each town must choose how to act in relation to the new state legislation by August 21. If the town had opted in, it would have been bound to this decision for five years, but by opting the decision can be reversed at any moment.