STONE HARBOR – Stone Harbor Borough Council May 4 adopted an ordinance prohibiting the sale, cultivation, manufacturing, processing and distribution of marijuana and other cannabis products within the municipality’s borders. The ordinance also banned smoking or ingestion of cannabis products in public spaces.
The prohibition follows similar actions by other county municipalities, as they try to adapt to the statewide legalization of recreational marijuana, something overwhelmingly supported by the voters in a November referendum.
State statutes give municipalities 180 days to enact any restrictions on the emerging cannabis industry. Those statutes prohibit a tightening of restrictions for five years after the 180-day period ends.
As a result, many municipalities are enacting strict prohibitions, which they will be allowed to ease after 180 days if circumstances dictate a willingness to accept elements of the new industry within the municipality.
