AVALON – With Gov. Phil Murphy pushing legislators to complete work on a cannabis legislation bill this year, the reality of legalized marijuana sale and use is spurring many municipalities to action. On Nov. 20, Avalon introduced an ordinance amendment that would prohibit the “manufacture, sale, and/or distribution of marijuana” within the borough.
Avalon is using its land use authority to accomplish the prohibition making businesses that deal in marijuana designated as a non-permitted use in the borough’s several zoning districts.
The ordinance changes allow for dispensing of medical marijuana by licensed pharmacies that are doing so in response to a prescription from a licensed doctor provided that the pharmacy itself is a permitted use within the zoning district.
Avalon joins over 40 other municipalities that are taking preemptive action in anticipation of state passage of a cannabis bill.
