Byram bans cannabis commerce, for now
Byram. The council unanimously passed a resolution stating their reasons for adopting the cannabis ordinance prohibiting licenses at this time, which the planning board found was inconsistent with the township’s master plan.
In a 4-1 vote, the Byram Township Council on June 22 prohibited all classes of cannabis business in the township.
Mayor Alexander Rubenstein was the lone vote against the ordinance that prohibits cannabis licenses in the township.
Rubenstein said the planning board found the ordinance to be inconsistent with the township’s master plan.
Township attorney Thomas Collins said that when a planning board finds an ordinance “not to be consistent,” the governing body still has the authority to adopt the ordinance along with a resolution stating its reasons.
The council wants to wait until after Aug. 22, when the state guidelines are due to come out, before passing any ordinances regulating cannabis commerce.
Councilman Harvey Roseff said it was “very wrong” for the state to compel municipalities to make a decision before establishing its rules.
Rubenstein challenged three of the councilmembers to authorize a sub-committee or group of professionals to evaluate how to pursue cannabis licenses in Byram.
No one from the public commented on the ordinance.
New Jersey offers municipalities the regulation of six classes of licenses, for cultivators, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and delivery services. Municipalities cannot interfere with their residents having marijuana delivered to them.