Public Meeting

John De Los Santos has a plan to open a new recreational cannabis dispensary in Paterson, his hometown; he was given conditional approval last year by state regulators for it. The only thing stopping him is city politics.

Paterson has a limit of three recreational cannabis dispensaries in the city and that quota has been filled. That leaves De Los Santos on the outside looking in, as he struggles to keep investors and a lease in place.

Dissent from residents and civic groups has led City Council to reconsider its intention of allowing cannabis sales in the city.

During its Thursday meeting, the City Council agreed it would not bring an ordinance that would have allowed cannabis sales in town up for a final vote.

That ordinance, which council had introduced on July 27 by a 5-2 vote, would have revised the municipal code to permit cannabis sales.

But strong community and business opposition to the ordinance convinced the council to change its mind.

The Little Falls Township Council has introduced legislation to open the door to cannabis businesses, such as a dispensary, to operate within the Township. The Ordinance, which outlines the regulations and procedures for establishing and operating cannabis businesses in the area, has sparked a heated debate among residents and local officials.

In response to these concerns, Mayor James Damiano acknowledged the controversial nature of the proposal.

In Middle Township, one of only four municipalities in Cape May County to authorize cannabis businesses, a deal for a cannabis growing operation on Indian Trail Road has fallen through. Middle supported the Massachusetts-based INSA company in its attempt to rehabilitate the former La Monica plant as a growing site back in October 2021.

The Township Committee voted in December to allow the municipality to receive proposals for retail sales of cannabis.

Now that a business, New Frontier Solutions LLC, is interested in setting up shop in the township, some residents are not happy about it.

"We thought they (the Township Committee) had our best interests at heart. That was a big mistake," said Sharon Corsiglia, 74, who has lived in the township for more than 50 years.

Mayor William Ruggieri declined to comment, citing the pending application.

Approval of cannabis businesses in Somers Point is going to have to wait at least another six weeks.

City Council held a special meeting July 7 to introduce an ordinance that would allow for a cannabis retailer and distributor to open in the city, but only three of the seven members attended. Without a quorum, no action could be taken.

City Council President Janice Johnston said she was unhappy that four members did not show up to the meeting.

The township held a cannabis forum Monday night — offering information on what allowing weed businesses may look like for Cherry Hill while also hearing from the public. About 10 members of the public spoke, sharing a wide range of views — some for, some against and others unsure.

When New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, Cherry Hill opted against allowing weed businesses, including dispensaries, into the township. Officials wanted to wait and observe the impacts of legal recreational cannabis in the state.

Should Cherry Hill get in on the weed industry? The township will hold a forum Monday evening to discuss cannabis businesses within the municipality.

The forum will immediately follow Monday's Township Council meeting and start no earlier than 7 p.m. The council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

The cannabis forum will include a short presentation before officials listen to public feedback. Officials will not take formal action on cannabis during the meeting.

While cannabis businesses have emerged around South Jersey since recreational legalization, Cherry Hill officials opted to keep the township out of the industry — for the time being. But the public can help determine Cherry Hill's next steps at an upcoming meeting.

The township will hold the meeting July 10 in the Council Chambers — following the Township Council meeting that begins at 7 p.m.

Officials will provide a short presentation before listening to public feedback, said Township Business Administrator Erin Knoedler.

A cannabis store could move in next to Red Bank Liquors after the planning board voted to approve the site Monday night. But the store, named Canopy Crossroad, would still require a borough license before opening.

The store at 9 West St. is one of three cannabis retail stores that have been put before a borough land use board.