June 11, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Tuesday, June 15th, Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin will present three cannabis related ordinances to Council. The ordinances will ban cannabis retail locations in Hamilton, but permit a maximum of two cultivation facilities in certain zones.
Last year, in a Statewide referendum, Hamilton residents voted in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis by a 2:1 margin. Under legalization law, municipalities have until August 21st to take action to either allow, or limit, or ban cannabusiness. Failure to take action would force a municipality to permit all cannabusiness to operate and would not be able to take any action for five years.
The ordinances will set forth the taxation, zoning, and permitted use for cultivation, manufacturing, wholesaling, and distribution cannabusiness.
There will be a maximum of two establishments of each permitted type of cannabusiness and would only be permitted in industrial, manufacturing, or research and development zones. They would be prohibited from establishment within 1,000 feet of a school, and 500 feet of either a childcare center, residential zone, house of worship, or public park. To help offset additional law enforcement costs, such as training, Hamilton will charge the maximum permitted fees on any licensed facility.
The Township will also ban retail or dispensary locations as well as the use of cannabis on public property – including public parks.
“Hamiltonians voted overwhelmingly last year to approve adult-use cannabis,” said Mayor Martin. “As we take our first steps in listening to their voices, we do so cautiously by banning retail locations and limiting other types of licenses to a maximum of two and to only certain zones that would be away from our schools, parks, churches, and homes. Additionally, we are also banning use of marijuana on any public lands – including our parks.”
Hamilton Township Council will meet at 6:30 PM Tuesday at the Hamilton Township Library located at 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. Way.
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