Marijuana Businesses Now Banned In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The South Brunswick Town Council voted to adopt an ordinance prohibiting all cannabis business operations in the township during Tuesday's council meeting. However, the council said they can revisit the ordinance in September after they have a better understanding of the cannabis industry rules the state is set to unveil in August.

During the meeting, a few township residents expressed their support for a marijuana dispensary in town. Alana Zetch, a resident who has lived in the township for 19 years said that although she agrees with parts of the ordinance, cannabis dispensaries should be allowed in town. “It (dispensary) is one of the most secure and clean places to visit,” she said.

Zetch said that many towns who opted to allow marijuana businesses within the municipality have made "millions of dollars in revenue.”

“If I'm spending money on weed, I rather the money come back in my town,” she said. "If we can have liquor stores we can have dispensaries. Alcohol is worse than weed.”

Kenneth White, 56, a resident of over 40 years echoed similar sentiments. "There are numerous fast-food places (in town) contributing to obesity and diabetes, and are a larger health risk,” he said.

Another resident who is a registered nurse said she saw a wide variety of cannabis users at the hospital. “There are tons of medical benefits especially after COVID with anxiety and depression. Add to that, if we're giving other towns our money, it’s not coming back to us,” she said.

However, officials said the reason the township chose to opt out was to ensure they have a proper understanding of the industry rules and regulations which are supposed to roll out on Aug. 21.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is expected to roll out its rules and regulations governing the marijuana industry on Aug. 21. Municipalities must pass ordinances banning all cannabis businesses or limiting their presence in town by Aug. 22.

This leaves many townships in a tough spot as it forces municipalities to make their choice before reviewing the new regulations.

Officials said if the town does not opt-out within the deadline, "anyone can come in and create any retail component without restriction.”

Officials said the council can revisit the ordinance in September after it has a complete understanding of the regulations set by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

They also pointed out that the revenue townships stood to earn from cannabis retail was just 2 percent, which wasn’t too much.

Once a township passes an ordinance within the deadline, it can repeal or alter ordinances later. If they don't pass an ordinance in that time, not only will marijuana businesses be allowed to operate, but local officials won't have another chance to issue a ban for the next five years.

(Editor's Note: A previous version of the article mentions Mayor Charlie Carley, but he did not participate in this part of Tuesday's meeting. The story had been updated and the error regretted.)

Additional links:

Marijuana Rules For Underaged 'Ridiculous:' South Brunswick Chief

South Brunswick Drafting Ordinance Banning Cannabis Sale, Growth

South Brunswick Introduces Ordinance Prohibiting Marijuana Biz

South Brunswick Plans To 'Opt Out' Of Cannabis Operations

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