People interested in marijuana already come to Trenton, which is why Forchion says he’s stumped as to why the Trenton City Council’s ordinance on legal weed, as it currently is written, will leave out the Capital City’s downtown.
The council introduced an ordinance earlier this month, after changes, that sets forth five dispensaries - down from 10 - and in three city zones. The downtown shopping areas are not included. Council members who introduced the ordinance did not respond to a request for comment Friday on its stipulations.
The council could vote for the ordinance on its second reading, on Thursday Aug. 19. New Jersey municipalities have until Aug. 21 to pass local laws setting forth when marijuana businesses can operate, and collect surcharge taxes. If they do not, they must abide by wider state rules.
“The City Council is engaged in buffoonery if they think eliminating dispensaries from downtown is something good,” said Forchion. “It’s an absolute mistake.”
Not only is the city potentially cutting off outside dollars, Forchion says most of his employees are city residents, and other dispensaries would likely employ locally too.
“Trenton is an economically distressed city. Why would they not want this business coming to city?” Forchion asked.