Local Impact
In April 2022, recreational cannabis opened at the Apothecarium in Phillipsburg, NJ. Open since 2020 for medicinal use, recreational sales were grandfathered in per town ordinance. The town opted out of recreational, cultivation and manufacturing by resolution in 2021 before the state deadline unanimously, until there was time to review the guidance, as well as to have the planning board part of the process.
Approval of a consumption facility would require local town zoning approval, as well as need to pass town council for approval. Presently you can purchase it, but there is no public smoking option available. In fact, many local spots have signage prominently displayed to let patrons know it is still not legal to consume on premises. At this time, the Phillipsburg land use board nor town council has addressed the zoning on this issue.