City government is on the clock to decide whether the newly legalized cannabis trade in New Jersey will be able do business here and, if so, under what conditions over the next five years.
The issue already is on its way to the Planning Board, due to its expertise in land use law, to hash out the issues and recommend to the City Commission how to handle it.
New Jersey is giving all municipalities leeway to “opt in” to accept cannabis businesses, from growing to distribution, or to “opt out.” The decision would be effective for five years, after which communities would have to go through the same process to affirm or revise its stance.
Local governments only have 180 days, or until August 21, to make their initial decisions. Those decisions lock in communities for five years.