With recreational marijuana legalization potentially coming soon to New Jersey, Lacey officials discussed the future of dispensaries in town. The Township Committee introduced two ordinances Thursday: one to allow a medical marijuana dispensary in the business park and another prohibiting recreational dispensaries in the township.
New Jersey voters will decide in the November election whether to legalize recreational marijuana in the Garden State. If it passes, state legislature would need to decide on the details and regulations.
But some municipal governments have considered or passed ordinances to ban recreational distribution in the event that it becomes legal in New Jersey. Lacey officials are seeking the public's input on both of their proposed ordinances.
"I've always been for medicinal (use)," said Committeeman Timothy McDonald. "And I think keeping it down in the business park makes a whole lot more sense than letting it out anywhere in Lacey Township."
Committeeman Nicholas Juliano said he used to be on the "borderline" of the medical marijuana discussion. Then a family member with rheumatoid arthritis met with a doctor about taking it.
His family member was in pain and couldn't walk. But medical marijuana helped the pain subside, and he or she can walk somewhat now, Juliano said. This helped shape his beliefs in support of "very well-regulated" medical marijuana, he said.