Before the state Legislature even starts debating legalizing adult-use marijuana, let alone approve it, around 35 municipalities have adopted local laws barring pot shops within their borders.
Legalization opponents such as Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Stephen Reid, executive director of New Jersey-Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy, say it’s just the start and that lots more towns have ordinances drawn up.
“They’re ready to go, but they’re going to look at the law first, and if it does get passed they’re going to be approving these ordinances in droves,” Reid said.
Reid said local officials worry about the message to youth, driving under the influence and the encouraging black-market sales of marijuana, which would remain lower-priced than what will be sold in highly regulated, state-sanctioned stores.