A wide variety of views _ and cautionary observations from both proponents and opponents _ marked the Bernards Township Committee's first public hearing to gain public input about what residents think about the possibility that the state might legalize recreational marijuana, and the already-approved loosening of medical marijuana distribution.
Mayor Carol Bianchi said the topic will come up for public hearing at a later date, and added the Township Committee might invite an expert on the subject to speak at a future meeting.
Township Committeewoman Joan Harris said the township should hear comments from the public before reacting to marijuana proposals under discussion, although she added that the Board of Health has distributed much information about marijuana use.
"I would like to hear from more residents," agreed Township Committeeman Joe Esposito. "It's the middle of the summer."
Bianchi said in an email this week that she has no further information when another public hearing might be held on the possible legalization of marijuana, which has been under discussion at the state level. Meanwhile, the state is making an effort to establish additional medical marijuana dispensaries throughout New Jersey.
Some of the commenters said at last week's meeting that they are in favor of making medical marijuana available, even as they as they are less likely to support the legalization of recreationall marijuana.