The planning board approved an ordinance banning marijuana-related sales and businesses Thursday night. Now the proposal goes to the township committee for review.
The planning board is preemptive since New Jersey legislators have not yet voted on a marijuana legalization bill, Mayor Anthony Ammiano said.
"Since there is still controversy, even among the supporters of legalization, Freehold Township is opting out," Ammiano said Thursday night, "until it is determined that the laws and regulations create a regulatory environment that safeguards Freehold Township's history of being a family town."
A. Richard Gatto, the planning board chairman, said the resolution is not a determination based on the personal opinions of the board members.