OCEAN CITY – With no comments from the public, Ocean City Council unanimously approved a zoning amendment aimed at keeping marijuana dispensaries and other operations out of town, should New Jersey move ahead with a legalization bill.
The ordinance amendment, which was reviewed by the city’s Planning Board before the public hearing and final vote took place Feb. 28, makes the sale or production of marijuana or marijuana products or paraphernalia an unauthorized use in any zone in the city.
The zoning ordinance applies to medical marijuana facilities, and if New Jersey allows the adult sale and use without a doctor’s recommendation, the ordinance would prevent future marijuana businesses in the city.
Ocean City does not allow the sale or public consumption of alcohol. Under the bill under consideration in Trenton, marijuana could not be smoked or consumed in public places like the beach and the boardwalk, but the city would not be able to prevent someone possessing or smoking marijuana at home.
The drug remains illegal at the federal level, but so far federal authorities have not acted against the growing number of states that have legalized its use. Transporting marijuana across state lines remains a federal offense.
Council members spoke in favor of the step.
“It’s sad that we have to do it, but yes. I mean it’s sad that we actually have to contemplate this, but I’m all for it,” said Councilman Michael DeVlieger.
To contact Bill Barlow, email bbarlow@cmcherald.com.
North Cape May – Thank you to the Supreme Court for doing the right thing.
