Rumson Bans Cannabis Businesses From Operating In Borough

RUMSON, NJ — Cannabis businesses will not be setting up shop in the borough.

The borough council on Tuesday adopted a measure prohibiting all classes of cannabis businesses from operating in the borough, which includes businesses with licenses for cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, retail and delivery.

The ordinance, which amends the borough's development regulations, does not prohibit the use of cannabis by borough residents or the delivery of cannabis to borough residents — only that a delivery business cannot physically be based inside of the borough.

However, another measure adopted by the council Tuesday does prohibit the smoking of any substance, including cannabis, in parks and public recreation spaces within the borough.

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.