The township council has voted to permanently ban recreational marijuana businesses from operating, rejecting a less-sweeping prohibition recommended by a study committee.
Council members approved the ban in a 4-1 vote, with two members abstaining due to conflicts. Several members have said they could revisit the marijuana issue — to permit medical marijuana dispensaries.
Only Councilwoman Laurie Huryk voted against an ordinance banning recreational weed businesses.
Council President Kevin Geoghegan, Vice President Maria Maruca and members Matt Lotano and Daniel Rodrick voted in favor of the ban, while Terrance Turnbach and Josh Kopp abstained due to conflicts.
Huryk, a member of the township's cannabis committee, noted that the council has chosen to disregard the committee's recommendation to allow cultivation and manufacture of recreational weed in Toms River.