Freehold Borough

Members of the Borough Council are moving to amend regulations regarding cannabis businesses that may eventually operate in Freehold Borough by adding medical cannabis dispensaries as an approved business.

During a meeting on Jan. 18, council members introduced an ordinance that will, if adopted, amend the borough’s existing cannabis ordinance to include alternative treatment centers which dispense medical cannabis to qualified individuals. The alternative treatment centers will be combined with cannabis retailers and follow the same regulations.

Per the legislation, cannabis retailers will be allowed in the following areas:

The Borough Council is taking action to establish regulations for marijuana businesses that may eventually operate in Freehold Borough.

On June 7, council members introduced an ordinance that will, if adopted, establish where cannabis establishments may be permitted in the borough and how they may receive a business license.

Council President Annette Jordan and council members Michael DiBenedetto, George Schnurr, Margaret Rogers and Adam Reich voted “yes” on a motion to introduce the ordinance. Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer voted “no” on the motion.

Two Monmouth County communities have moved forward on plans this summer to support a dispensary within their borders if licensed by New Jersey's medical marijuana program.

The Freehold Borough Council voted unanimously on Aug. 19 to support a facility proposed by Garden State Botanicals at a site on Throckmorton Street. The plan still needs approval from the state Department of Health.

Municipal officials in Freehold Borough have advanced the possibility of allowing a medical marijuana treatment center to operate in town following a business operator’s proposal to establish such a facility on Throckmorton Street.

During a special meeting on Aug. 19, members of the Borough Council passed a resolution supporting the expansion of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Marijuana Act, which provides legal protection for the cultivation, processing, dispensing and use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The Borough Council voted unanimously Monday to support the first-ever medical marijuana dispensary in the municipality after a group seeking to open a facility made a presentation at a special council meeting.

But that is just the first step as the proposed site still needs approval from the state Department of Health.