Municipalities are getting ready to deal with what's expected to be a "fast-growing" industry now that recreational marijuana has been approved by more than half of the state's voters.
Even before voters weighed in on the legalization question, Morristown leaders came up with ideas to zone and regulate its sales in town. On Tuesday, Morristown brought the topic back for discussion but said "there was no rush" to create a town ordinance for recreational use.
"A lot still has to go before we start having those types of discussions," Mayor Tim Dougherty said during Tuesday night's council meeting. "Where we're legally going to put it and those types of questions."
The ballot measure amended the state constitution to allow adults to possess, purchase and consume marijuana, and now state leaders have to create the laws to stop marijuana arrests and set up a framework for what legalized weed looks like. From there, local governments will be able to decide whether and where to allow marijuana retailers in their communities.
"Now that it's recreational, there have been some discussions and concerns about increased nuisances," council President Stefan Armington said Tuesday night. "I think it's appropriate for the town to decided whether or not we will allow zoning for recreational marijuana and under what circumstances."