The Maplewood Township Committee met on Wednesday and discussed a number of different items, some of which it will address at its next meeting on June 19 (see agenda attached below):
Medical marijuana dispensaries: Ahead of an anticipated vote by the New Jersey legislature to increase the number of permitted medical marijuana dispensaries (or “alternative treatment centers”), the TC voted to draft an ordinance to permit and regulate such facilities in the township.
“We have been approached by a number of parties interested in coming to Maplewood” to open a dispensary, said Mayor Vic DeLuca. He suggested the centers be allowed in areas zoned for Highway Business (basically the eastern and western borders of Springfield Avenue and the western border of Millburn Avenue) and Pedestrian Retail use. The township would mandate permissible hours of operation and other conditions.
DeLuca said the township was making the move also with an eye toward the potential legalization of the drug for adult recreational purposes. The TC will introduce the ordinance on June 19.