TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Township Council voted to put a hold on the sale of legal marijuana within its borders after a landmark referendum vote in 2020 saw voters, even in Ocean County overwhelmingly approve the legalization of marijuana.
Under the law, anyone over 21 can purchase marijuana in New Jersey, but Toms River leaders said not in their town.
Toms River Mayor Mo Hill said he has determined, “Due to the uncertainty surrounding the future impacts that allowing one or more classes of cannabis might have on New Jersey municipalities in general, it is at this time necessary, and in the best interest of health, safety and welfare of the public to impose a prohibition against all classes of cannabis establishments.”
Under the ordinance introduced by Toms River Council President Kevin Geoghegan, there will be a complete prohibition against the marijuana industry in the township.
“Such a sweeping action is necessary,” Hill and Geoghegan said in the ordinance drafted under the direction of New Jersey Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin’s law firm.
In addition, the township will consider anyone who attempts to legally sell marijuana within their town a criminal as state and federal officials move to decriminalize marijuana usage.
Anyone who attempts to sell cannabis products in the township will be subjected to criminal prosecution. Under this law, the purchasing of online cannabis products in accordance with state law could lead to fines and penalties as the township also prohibits the delivery of cannabis products.
In November, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of legalizing marijuana.
Members of the public spoke in opposition to the new prohibition, saying it will hurt patients who suffer from chronic pain and illnesses.