Frequently Asked Questions: Morris Township Cannabis Advisory Committee

Background


In 2020, voters in New Jersey approved by referendum vote an amendment to the State Constitution legalizing the recreational use of cannabis and allowing for recreational sales. The referendum received support from 68.64% of Morris Township voters.

As part of state law passed after the referendum vote, municipalities across the state who did not wish to allow cannabis businesses within their borders were required to opt out of any or all classes of cannabis licensing by July 2021. While municipalities could opt out of any or all classes, they could not prohibit the direct delivery of cannabis/cannabis products to residents.

The Morris Township Committee opted out of all six classes of cannabis licensing in 2021 with the intent to monitor the development of the industry and revisit their decision in future years. Additionally, the Township Committee passed an ordinance banning the use of cannabis and/or products on public property, including parks and recreational facilities.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Cannabis Advisory Committee and why was it established? 

The Cannabis Advisory Committee was established by the Morris Township Committee to research the evolution of cannabis industry in New Jersey since its legalization in 2021 and report back to the Township Committee with an analysis of whether the Township should continue to opt-out or consider the option to opt-in with a class(es) of licensing. 

 The Cannabis Advisory Committee is made up of five resident volunteers, the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, and Township professionals. As an advisory committee, it has no authority to set or change Township policies or ordinances.

 After conducting its research, the committee is required to provide a comprehensive, public report to the Township Committee when its work is complete. No formal action is being taken by the Cannabis Advisory Committee.


What are the six classes of cannabis licensing? 

New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) issues licenses for medicinal and recreational cannabis business operations in New Jersey. Each business requires a license, which must be active and in good standing, to perform any commercial cannabis activity, including:

  • Growing cannabis plants
  • Storing cannabis and cannabis products
  • Making cannabis products
  • Transporting or delivering cannabis and cannabis products
  • Selling cannabis and cannabis products
  • Testing cannabis and cannabis products

The CRC is currently accepting applications for personal-use (recreational) cannabis businesses in the following categories:

  • Class 1 Cultivator
  • Class 2 Manufacturer
  • Class 3 Wholesaler
  • Class 4 Distributor
  • Class 5 Retailer
  • Class 6 Delivery Service
  • Testing Laboratory

When is the Cannabis Advisory Committee meeting and how can I provide input in the process?


  • Thursday, August 10th 
    • Township Attorney, Township Planner, Planning Board Attorney, Township Engineer
    • Agenda / Video 
  • Tuesday, August 22nd
  • Tuesday, September 19th
  • Wednesday, October 4th
    • Frank Vitolo, Attorney, Sills Cummis & Gross
    • Chris Dowling, Owner, Sussex Cultivation
    • Agenda / no video due to audio complications 
  • Tuesday, October 17th
    • Susanna Short, President & Co-founder, NJ Cannabis Trade Association
    • Jaraun Wright, Co-founder & Managing Partner, BANC Street Collective, LLC
  • Wednesday, November 1st
    • Public comment
    • Committee discussion

What classes of cannabis is the Township considering and where will businesses be located? 

As an advisory committee, the Cannabis Advisory Committee does not have the authority to set or change Township policy or ordinances. The group is studying the development of the cannabis industry in New Jersey and will provide a comprehensive, public report to the Township Committee when its work is complete.