The Westfield Town Council voted Tuesday night to introduce an ordinance "opting out" โ for now โof allowing cannabis shops in town.
What partly drove the decision is that the council can change its mind at any time, members noted before the vote. Under current state legislation, a municipality that votes to allow the shops must do so for at least five years โ but a town that votes no can make a new decision later.
With marijuana legalized last year for recreational use in New Jersey, all towns were told they must vote to opt in or opt out by this summer.
Mayor Shelley Brindle had assembled at 17-member Cannabis Commission earlier this year to listen to the public and make recommendations.
"Not surprisingly, it turned out to be a mix of responses," said Councilman Michael Dardia at the meeting.