When Gerry McGrath learned Barnegat Township planned to ban local marijuana sales, she decided she needed some answers from her town’s governing body.
Gerry, a retired nurse, saved her questions for the public hearing on the ordinance that would ultimately prohibit recreational cannabis sales in the southern Ocean County community.
“I have a problem with this,” said Gerry. “We have a lot of seniors, veterans, and other people who use cannabis for medical reasons. I know we have medical cannabis available, but they have to travel outside the township to get this medication.”
Barnegat Township Attorney Christopher Dasti Esq. offered Gerry some clarification. The governing body only intended to oppose recreational sales and cultivation.
According to Dasti, medical marijuana dispensaries and recreational cannabis distribution require different types of licenses. The new ordinance does not arbitrarily exclude a medical facility from setting up shop in Barnegat.