The move, which follows a Sept. 12 advisory from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities on the direction of proposed marijuana legislation in Trenton, was introduced as a proposed ordinance on Sept. 13 and was unanimously ratified by the governing body on Thursday.
Wantage Mayor Bill Gaechter said that with momentum building in the state Legislature to have New Jersey become the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana, township officials felt it advisable to act now rather than be caught flat-footed after the fact by whatever legislation emerges.
"Clearly legislation is coming and it's going to come soon," Gaechter said. "We felt it was prudent, until we know what the legislation is going to be, to (act) now to protect Wantage Township, and that's why we're pushing this through a little quicker than we normally would."
The ordinance will have no effect on the use of medicinally prescribed marijuana. However, under an amendment to the township's zoning regulations, all other retail and wholesale commercial activities -- including the cultivation, manufacture, sale and distribution -- of marijuana and marijuana products will be prohibited in the township.