While there was no vote on the matter at the August 23 Council meeting, the public and the Council voiced their views on the matter.
"It's not if, but when," Mayor Christopher DiPiazza said. "But when depends on the mood of the community. I'm not sure if when is now."
Several individuals spoke in favor and just as many spoke against the retail sale of cannabis. Currently, medical marijuana is being sold in the borough.
Councilwoman MariaElena Bellinger said she was in the minority voting against the sale of medical marijuana when the issue first came before the council. Voters approved the legalization of marijuana in New Jersey and Gov. Phil Murphy signed it into law on February 22, 2021. In the proceeding two years, state government has been racing to put guidelines into place to structure the sale, both for medicinal and recreational marijuana.
Bellinger said as a teacher, she sees all the different sides. "The use is here, we just need to know how the community feels about it. I don't know the answer. I'm all for a referendum on it."