Resident Bob Alvarez questions Washington Township’s stance on legalized marijuana
Not since debates/protests about adult theaters/stores in the ‘90s has such a critical subject touched all township residents. At hand, Governor-Elect Phil Murphy’s promises to sign legislation approving recreational use of cannabis in New Jersey in his first 100 days.
Now, you may ask, what does this have to do with Washington Township?
NJ Senate Bill 3195, May 18, sponsored by state Sen. Nicholas Scutari. (It won’t pass this year.)
The senator stated $300 million to $500 million a year in new, possible, tax revenue.
New Jersey proponents see $2 billion to $3 billion in annual cannabis sales, based on legalized states (still federally illegal).
Important for us: It could create jobs, ratables and economic impetus to:
• Open five or more retail outlets — supply and demand
• Open an undetermined number of cultivators
• Open an undetermined number of wholesale operations
• Open an undetermined number of associated transportation businesses
• Open a health-care dispensary operation that meshes township’s eds and meds initiative
For a township windfall, if approved, 3 percent of the proceeds of retail sales generated in township.
The township must either:
1. Prohibit the operation of cannabis cultivation facilities, cannabis product manufacturing facilities, cannabis testing facilities or retail cannabis stores through the enactment of an ordinance.
Or; to reap the economic benefits of cannabis legalization
2. Enact ordinances/regulations, not conflicting with bill provisions including local zoning compliant property defined.
• Govern the time, place, manner and number of cannabis establishment operations;
• Establish procedures for issuance, suspension and revocation of a license;
• Establish schedule of annual operating, licensing and application fees for cannabis establishments; and
• Establish civil penalties for violation of an ordinance or regulation
My hope is council/mayor/executives take a proactive approach, acknowledge and define the township’s position now on this new industry. Be transparent.
Bob Alvarez
