Residents, officials, and medical marijuana users weighed in at a community meeting on Nov. 19 to discuss how Hoboken should respond if the state legalizes recreational marijuana use.
Marijuana is currently legal for medical use in 32 states including New Jersey, and for recreational use in 10 states as well as Washington D.C. Gov. Phil Murphy has favored making it legal for recreational use statewide, and the legislatures is considering proposals. In other states, possession is limited to an ounce.
Some cities near Hoboken have prepared for the possibility of legalization by passing zoning laws about where the substance can be grown, sold, or used.
On Monday, Nov. 19, the Jubilee Center in Hoboken drew an audience of over 50 people as six panelists — officials, industry representatives, and the ACLU — answered questions and concerns.
The Hoboken City Council pulled an ordinance from its agenda in October to allow the sale of marijuana in six non-residential areas of town: the three Central Business Districts and three areas zoned as industrial along Hoboken’s northern and southern borders.
Businesses would have to get a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment to open elsewhere.
According to the ordinance, the city would also limit marijuana licenses in town to three, one per approved zone. Those who want to open a marijuana establishment would first need to obtain a license from the state. Then, the business would undergo a public hearing and get site plan approval from the Hoboken Planning Board.
For more details on the ordinance see our Nov.8 cover story “Pot in every pot.”
Public and official input
Some residents said permitting marijuana establishments in town would benefit the city, especially the business community and local restaurants.
Others had safety issues.
Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher said she heard from several residents who were concerned about how law enforcement would deal with people smoking the substance in public or driving while under the influence.
“Why does Hoboken need to be first?” asked resident Tina Hahn. “Why not let others [municipalities] go first and learn from them?”
Lifelong resident Danielle Catania asked how residents, including children, would be educated on the substance and what initiatives the city would undertake to ensure there was proper education
“The ordinance is a really bad ordinance,” said Darren Jones. “By putting the [businesses] on the very edge, by only allowing them on the tip of the outskirts of town, it’s going to cause a massive influx of traffic issues.” He noted that the entrances to the city are in those areas.
Several residents spoke about the benefits of medical marijuana. Currently, the nearest dispensary is in Secaucus.
Lifelong resident Ida Cruz said she had back surgery, and medical marijuana has drastically improved her quality of life, allowing her to manage her persistent pain.
Residents Laura Lagano, founder of the Holistic Cannabis Academy, said her daughter, who was on the autism spectrum, is now no longer on the spectrum — thanks to medicinal cannabis. She said her daughter is training to become a barista.
“It’s not gateway drug,” she said. “It’s a gateway to health. Education is what’s key. What we have here is something left over from the days of ‘Reefer Madness.’ ” (“Reefer Madness” is a film shown by the federal government in the 1930s to warn the public about marijuana. Today, it’s seen as exaggerated.)
Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro said she doesn’t expect a statewide vote in the near future about legalization.
She said personally she is on the fence as she understands the medical benefits of marijuana, but is unsure about recreational use.
Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante, who is also the president of the police chiefs’ union in Hudson County, said that police chiefs across the state support decriminalizing marijuana. Until it is legalized, officers are mandated to continue arresting those with the substance.
Amol Sinha, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey, said his organization is in favor of legalizing recreational use and decriminalizing it. He said it will have impacts on racial and social justice. He noted that African Americans are three times more likely to be arrested for possession in New Jersey then their white counterparts.
Mayor Ravi Bhalla said the council’s land use subcommittee will review the proposed ordinance and hold several public meetings to gather more input on permitting both medical and recreational marijuana establishments in town.
Marilyn Baer can be reached at Marilynb@hudsonreporter.com or comment online at hudsonreporter.com
