Change To Cannabis Ordinance Proposed In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morristown Town Council is looking to amend its current cannabis ordinance which includes implementing harsher penalties.

At their Aug. 6 meeting, the Town Council voted 6 to 0 on the first reading of the amended ordinance.

The amendment was sparked after the Cannabis Advisory Board brought this recommendation forward to clean up the ordinance about hemp and the number of licenses.

They also wanted to make the distinction between medical and recreational more apparent. The revised ordinance is "properly creating" the line of what you can and can’t sell in dispensaries, according to Council Member Robert Iannaccone.

The amended ordinance also implements harsher penalties for anyone who makes or sells intoxicating hemp products, which are prohibited.

Fines have been increased to $500 for the first violation, $2,500 for the second violation, and $10,000 for the third violation.

"I agree and support the initial reason why the cannabis ordinance needed to be amended to include protections on hemp and to clarify the number and types of establishments," said Iannaccone. "I’m concerned with eliminating the selection criteria from the ordinance, and I appreciate that we will be working with administration with the drafting of the ordinance with the council meeting."

The town is authorizing two licenses for Morristown, Innacone says they want to get some experience with a cannabis business. There are currently no dispensaries open in Morristown."

Working with a new business could help shape the ordinance in the future.

The second and final public hearing and vote will take place on Sept. 10.