West Orange Zoning May Change Under NJ Medical Marijuana Law

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A medical marijuana law passed in New Jersey that was inspired by a 7-year-old boy with cancer may spell changes for West Orange’s zoning landscape, a local council member says.

Recently, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act into law. The bill was named after a 7-year old Howell resident nicknamed "Jake the Tank," who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive from of brain cancer. His family tried several medications, with cannabis emerging as the best option.

The law expands access to medical marijuana for patients with any diagnosed medical condition, requires issuance of additional dispensary permits, revises certain requirements concerning patients and primary caregivers as well as requirements for physicians to authorize qualifying patients and improves the application, ownership and operational requirements for alternative treatment centers.

• See related article: Huge Step For Medical Marijuana In NJ Signed Into Law

Last week, West Orange councilwoman Cindy Matute-Brown said the town must amend its zoning ordinance to allow for medical marijuana dispensaries under the new state law.

A town hall discussion on the issue will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the West Orange High School cafeteria at 51 Conforti Avenue.

Panelists at the public event will include local municipal officials, cannabis industry professionals and a representative from the ACLU.

• See related article: NJ May Have Found A Way To Help Legalize Marijuana
• See related article: New Jersey Plans Huge Increase In Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
• See related article: New Jersey Marijuana Patients Need Lower Prices, More Cannabis

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