TOMS RIVER, NJ – For now, a ban on the sale of marijuana within Toms River is on hold after the township council members who pushed for the prohibition realized their ordinance has many problems with it.
Two weeks ago, it was Reefer Madness at town hall. This week, it was the opposite.
Residents complained about a multitude of problems facing the medical marijuana industry and access to patients who are need of the marijuana but have to drive over an hour each way to get it.
After being threatened by residents that they would show up in November and vote out anyone who voted for a ban, six of seven council members changed their minds. Councilman Daniel Rodrick said he did not want to table the measure and said it should be put on the floor to a vote since the rest of the council was also passionate about the measure just two weeks ago.
“Unlike everyone else, I don’t change my opinion because of politics,” Rodrick said about his no-vote.
Maria Maruca who is running for election this year said she agreed to table the measure but will have to be convinced to change her mind against the prohibition. The township will now create a marijuana advisory board to help the township make a decision and the matter will be heard next month.