The Paterson City Council approved an ordinance to regulate the sales of cannabis and the operation of dispensaries within the city, on Tuesday. The effort, according to the measure, is to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
The council previously rejected the sale or cultivation of adult-use cannabis, a move that drew a swift veto by Mayor Andre Sayegh. In a guest column published by TAPinto Paterson, Board of Education President Kenneth Simmons also registered his opinion that dispensaries should not be allowed in the city.
In December, the council passed a measure to prohibit the use of cannabis in Paterson parks.
“This is a step in the right direction,” Sixth Ward Councilman Al Abdelaziz said at the June 14 meeting when the ordinance was initially considered. “Right now recreational marijuana licenses were straight up to the administration, they could do whatever they wanted no limits, and put them anywhere they want. This stops insanity, all approvals have to come from the council."