The South Orange Village Board of Trustees passed an ordinance allowing for the retail sale of cannabis in the village at its Feb. 28 meeting tonight.
The ordinance passed by a 5-1 vote with trustee Karen Hilton being the only trustee to vote no. On the ordinance Hilton said, “I don’t think it’s what we need,” adding “I feel uncomfortable going against everybody, but I had to follow my heart.”
Up to two cannabis retail businesses will now be permitted to open in South Orange after the ordinance’s passage. The ordinance also allows for delivery, wholesaling, and distribution of cannabis in the village.
Cannabis cultivation and manufacturing were stricken from the ordinance earlier this month after protests from Academy Heights residents who contented that a manufacturing and cultivation facility would negatively affect the quality of life in their neighborhood.