In the meantime, Cape May City Council took immediate action to prohibit marijuana smoking in public areas, like the beach, Promenade and Washington Street Mall.
“The line is drawn at the private property line,” said City Solicitor Christopher Gillin-Schwartz, pointing to the limits on what the city can regulate.
The ordinance prohibits individuals from smoking or otherwise using or consuming “in or on any public space.” It defines public space as including outdoor dining areas, parks, public right of way, recreation areas, including beaches, Promenade or the area of any scheduled public event.
In short, if one is not on private property, they can’t light up.
The ordinance defines marijuana broadly to include all parts of the cannabis plant and all preparations made from it.
The city is charging its police department with the enforcement of the ordinance, which caused Chief Dekon Fashaw some concern.