Hamilton and Robbinsville Town Councils both passed local ordinances for their respective towns this week banning the retail sales of legalized recreational marijuana for adults. The ordinances passed unanimously -- on Tuesday night during the Hamilton Council meeting and on Thursday night during the Robbinsville Council meeting.
Robbinsville cited lack of clear rules from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission regarding oversight. The town has opted out of all forms of cannabusinesses including manufacturing, delivery, and distribution.
"Without a full understanding of the rules being rolled out, I think it is prudent we take the "opt-out" scenario," said Councilman Ron Witt at the June 24 meeting when the ordinance was introduced. "We can always opt back in very quickly in the event the state clarifies its position."
Under state law, municipalities can decide to opt-in at any time, then will be held to the five-year rule, under current legislation. However, if they were to pass an ordinance to permit sales they would not be allowed to "opt-out" within the same timeframe.
While sales will also not be allowed in Hamilton Township, a maximum of two cultivation facilities will be permitted in certain zones currently designated for industrial, manufacturing, or research and development use. To help offset additional law enforcement costs, such as training, Hamilton will charge the maximum permitted fees on any licensed facility.