A resolution adopted by the Township of West Milford Council at their Wednesday, Feb. 16, meeting supported “the safe and appropriate siting of a cannabis Class 5 Retailer facility at 1612 Union Valley Road”. This is an LMI Zone and the use approved was “conditional to the extent consistent with all applicable state and local status, rules, regulations and ordinances.”

“The Township of West Milford endorses the adult use cannabis program in the State of New Jersey, as well as the medical use program, which provides needed relief to the many persons suffering from chronic and/or debilitating illnesses who may benefit from this program,” the resolution said.

The document summarized the history of marijuana legalization, noting that Governor Jon Corzine, in 2010, signed the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Care Act, which allowed people suffering from qualifying debilitating medical conditions to obtain medical marijuana. Then, in 2018, New Jersey broadened eligibility for prescribed marijuana, and in 2020, on Nov. 3, the Marijuana Legislation Amendment was approved by voters in New Jersey, which legalized the possession and use of cannabis for residents 21 years of age or older. On Feb. 22, 2021 Governor Phil Murphy signed into law the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act, which established the adult use cannabis program in New Jersey.