The township has taken its first steps to banning marijuana businesses from operating in the town.
At the most recent Township Council meeting, the members introduced an ordinance that would prohibit “the operation of any class of cannabis business.”
Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo, Councilman John Bonevich, Councilwoman Pamela Richmond and Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell voted “yes” on a motion to introduce the ordinance. Mayor Theresa Berger was absent from the meeting.
Back in November, New Jersey residents voted to legalize adult use of marijuana. State officials have given municipalities until August 21 to pass ordinances to prohibit or permit marijuana businesses.
Within Monmouth County, 65.6 percent of residents voted to approve legalization of marijuana, 34.4 percent voted against. For Howell, 63.39 percent voted to legalize it.