Already there are reports from a number of South Jersey communities that marijuana-related companies are trying to gauge the level of interest towns might have in getting involved in the industry. Several municipalities rightly have recognized this could become a hot-button issue and have formed committees to study the matter.
That’s a good move for a number of reasons.
Local leaders have to consider everything from potential tax revenue to possible negative societal impacts marijuana growth operations or sales could generate. Does it make sense to reject marijuana companies if the town next door welcomes them? Is marijuana simply something residents don’t want around? How many jobs could it create? Would it be OK to have a grow site but not a retail outlet?