Nearly 40 years ago, actress Clara Peller appeared in ads for Wendy's asking, "Where's the beef?" But the question in Hoboken on 4/20 may be, "Where's the weed?" — particularly since none of the already-approved cannabis dispensaries have opened.
And recently, an "exotic" grocery store on Washington Street was shut down because, according to police, it was selling illegal cannabis without a license, and allegedly employed a juvenile.
So far, two medical dispensaries and three recreational dispensaries have gotten approval to open in Hoboken. But at least two of those approved sites are fending off lawsuits.
Marijuana was approved for medical use in New Jersey in 2010, and for recreational use in 2021. Sales of the latter were expected to begin in the Garden State a year ago.
Towns in North Jersey including Secaucus and Maplewood have seen dispensaries open, but the matter is thornier in mile-square Hoboken.