The first recreational cannabis applicant to be approved for the city of Hoboken is now seeing that approval reversed for being too close to a school.
The community group Hoboken for Responsible Cannabis filed the successful challenge against the proposed dispensary, Blue Violets, owned by Lauren Chang Thompson and her husband Max.
The owners of Blue Violet Cannabis Dispensary pleaded for a compromise at Wednesday night’s council meeting following last month's court decision that ruled that its premise was too close to schools to open.
Hoboken for Responsible Cannabis (HRC) objected to the opening of the dispensary, arguing that its Washington Street location violates an ordinance stating that cannabis dispensaries must not be within 600 feet of schools.
While most of the conversation around the new market for recreational cannabis in New Jersey has focused around the laws and regulations, there is an exciting group of entrepreneurs looking to make their marks on this nascent industry — and a host of new businesses that are expected to join the Hoboken + Jersey City scenes soon. Here in Hudson County, there are several local businessmen and women who see the new market as full of opportunities to own their own businesses, serve their community, and change the conversation around marijuana.
A recreational dispensary officially has Hoboken Planning Board approval — and it’s not the one that has had hearings on three separate occasions.
Blue Violets, proposed for 628 Washington St., was approved by unanimous vote Thursday night at its first and only public hearing, proved that dispensaries can make it through Planning Board approval within a few hours.
The Hoboken Planning Board allowed the Blue Violets cannabis dispensary application to proceed to a public hearing at its meeting Thursday, marking a victory for owners who are trying to overcome some community opposition.
The micro-dispensary planned for 628 Washington St. has faced questions of legality due to its proximity to two schools — Hoboken Charter School and All Saints Episcopal Day School — and the timing of its application submissions.