HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ – There was plenty of debate about the passage of Ordinance 2483 banning the establishment of businesses that sell cannabis products in Hasbrouck Heights at Tuesday evening’s Hasbrouck Heights two-hour long Council meeting. The Ordinance was passed by a 4-2 vote.
The bill stated:
An Ordinance of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights in the County of Bergen and State of New Jersey supplementing the Borough Code with a new chapter entitled “Chapter 110, Cannabis, Prohibition of All Classes fo Businesses” so as to prohibit the operation of any class of cannabis business within its geographical boundaries and further to supplement subchapter 275-12 entitled “General Regulations” of the Chapter entitled “Zoning” of the Code of the Borough of Hasbrouck Heights so as to prohibit the use by any class of licenses Cannibis businesses upon any premises in any zone in the borough of Hasbrouck Heights.
Whereas, in 2020 New Jersey voters approved Public Question No 1., which amended the New Jersey Constitution to allow for the legalization of a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis” for adults at least 21 years of age; and
“Whereas, on February 22, 2021, Governor Murphy signed into law PL 2021, c. 16, known as the “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act” (the “Act”) which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older, and establishes a comprehensive regulatory and licensing scheme for commercial recreational (adult use) cannabis operations, use and possession; and
Whereas, the Act establishes six marketplace classes of licensed businesses, including:
- Class 1 Cannabis Cultivator license, for facilities involved in growing and cultivating cannabis
- Class 2 Cannabis Manufacturer license, for facilities involved in the manufacturing, preparation and packing of cannabis items;
- Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler license for facilities involved in obtaining and selling cannabis items for later resale by other licensees
- Class 4 Cannabis Distributor license, for businesses involved in transporting cannabis plants in bulk from on licensed cultivator to another licenses’ cultivator, or cannabis items in bulk from any type of licensed cannabis business to another,
- Class 5 Cannabis Retailer license for locations at which cannabis items and related supplies are sold to consumers and
- Class 6 Cannabis Delivery license for businesses providing courier services for consumer purchases that are fulfilled by a licensed cannabis retailer in order to make deliveries or the purchases items to a consumer, and which service would include the ability of a consumer to make a purchase directly through the cannabis delivery service which would be presented b the delivery service for fulfillment by a retailer and then delivered to a consumer
Democrats Steven Reyngoudt and Chris Hillmann both voted against the Ordinance, citing concerns that the bill also prohibits the sale of medical marijuana. Republican Ron Kistner also noted concerns about the prohibition on the medical marijuana, but stated that he did not have confidence in Trenton (the New Jersey State Legislature) to enact proper controls either, and that, until the issue settles down and regulations are better constructed, it is better for Hasbrouck Heights that the town bans all sales. He stated that he would be open to revisit the matter in the future regarding medical marijuana sales.
It is important to note that the bill only bans the establishment of businesses that can sell marijuana, and does not, in any way, limit the usage of marijuana, which was legalized in November.
Several residents spoke out against the legislation, some calling at an overreach, and ignoring the fact that a majority of Hasbrouck Heights residents voted for legalization in November. Others pointed out that the legislation of marijuana would be greatly helpful in the battle against opioid addiction in New Jersey. A few suggested that it be placed on the ballot locally in November for the people to vote on.
Proponents of the bill noted that there could have been an area set aside In Hasbrouck Heights in a non-residential section, referring to area along the Route 17 corridor on the Teterboro side. Others supported the resolution, noting that they did not want businesses in Hasbrouck Heights selling marijuana, raising concerns about the message it would serve the children of the community.
Others pointed out that the argument for allowing sales in the town, money, was not accurate, as there would be potential of increased costs for security and policing, and pointed out the costs that occurred when the Sonic on Route 17 first opened up several years ago, causing major traffic congestion which required Hasbrouck Heights police to direct traffic on the highway.
A resident, who had previously been allowed to state his case why this was not appropriate, attempted to rejoin the conversation to dispute another resident’s claim. When he was told he would not be allowed to debate other residents during the meeting, he began debating with the Mayor over whether he was allowed to speak multiple times, and whether the Mayor had the authority to forbid him to speak. After some back-and-forth, in which the resident was warned he was going to be cut off from speaking on the Zoom call, the resident was muted.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on @TAPintoHasbrouckHeightsWood.RidgeTeterboro and Twitter @HHeightsWRidgeT
Recent Comments