Those living near proposed sites for cannabis businesses in Neptune City continue to ask questions but borough officials are unable to answer them because of pending lawsuits, one of which was filed by two of the neighbors.
Mayor Andrew C. Wardell said at this week’s meeting of the Borough Council that he plans to introduce new legislation regarding the legal sale of marijuana in Neptune City and will do so once it is legally possible.
The marijuana code in the township could change amid shifting state guidelines and persistent interest in entering the nascent cannabis industry.
The Township Committee introduced an ordinance Nov. 22 that would specify how municipal licenses are awarded to aspirant marijuana businesses. All classes of marijuana-business licenses, under the ordinance, would be awarded on a “nondiscriminatory first-come first-serve basis,” with priority given in the order that businesses complete the state licensure process and local land-use regulations.
As of last week, more than a dozen companies have expressed interest in opening a cannabis business in West Orange since 2020 – including several retail dispensaries. But which ones ultimately nail down the last of the town's coveted four licenses remains to be seen.
Now the city has again amended the regulations, as one of the newly adopted ordinances furthers restrict where cannabis establishments could be located. Previously, establishments are only allowed in the H-C Highway Commercial and Selected Light Industrial District, as well as the I-H Heavy Industrial District.