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Morristown awards single retail cannabis license amid public calls for more licenses and questions about fairness
Summary
The council voted 5–1 to award a local retail cannabis license to Ooma Flowers NJ LLC. Multiple public commenters urged awarding additional licenses for economic opportunity and social‑equity reasons; one speaker said the decision raises transparency concerns. Councilman Silva voted no and publicly explained his concerns about public health.
The Morristown Town Council voted to award one local retail cannabis license to Ooma Flowers NJ LLC on Feb. 25, a decision that drew extensive public comment urging the council to award additional licenses for economic and social‑equity reasons.
The award was adopted by roll call: Councilwoman Sheba Foster — Yes; Councilman Anacone — Yes; Councilwoman Lindsey — Yes; Councilman Chris Russo — Yes; Councilman Silva — No; Council President Umbriak — Yes. Motion and seconder were not specified in the public record.
Why it matters
Local cannabis licensing has both economic and equity implications. Commenters at Tuesday’s public hearing argued that additional licenses would capture tax revenue, create local jobs and advance social equity commitments in the town’s licensing process. Opponents and at least one council member raised concerns about potential public‑health effects.
What public speakers said
Kristen Camjati, owner of Morristown’s Best Inc. LLC and an applicant in the licensing process, said she and her partner were "disappointed and confused" that the council awarded only one license and that limiting awards "is not in the best interest of our town or its residents." She added that the 10‑mile radius around Morristown contains nearly half a million people and that local demand for legal cannabis is substantial.
Grant Faker, who identified himself as a young professional living and working in Morristown, said a single dispensary would not meet local demand and argued a second location would bring foot traffic to downtown businesses: "One dispensary will not be able to keep up with the demand that Morristown has," he said.
Jeron Wright, a local business owner and longtime resident, criticized the administration’s decision as lacking transparency and fairness and said it undercut the town’s stated commitment to restorative justice: "This decision... raises questions about transparency, fairness and whether restorative justice is truly being delivered," Wright said.
Council explanation
Councilman Silva, who cast the lone No vote on the resolution awarding the license, offered a public statement explaining his vote and citing concerns about cannabis use and public health. In part he said: "Cannabis use has been linked to problems of cognitive functions like learning, memory, attention processing speed, perceptual motor function, and language. Several studies indicate a link between marijuana and an increased risk of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety." Silva concluded by saying he was explaining his vote.
Formal action
Action recorded: Resolution R-51-2025 — authorize a local retail cannabis business license for the Town of Morristown to Ooma Flowers NJ LLC. Outcome: Adopted (Yes 5; No 1). The record does not list a mover or seconder for the resolution in the public minutes.
What’s next
The awarded operator will proceed under town licensing rules; council members and public commenters indicated that the award does not end local interest in licensing policy and social‑equity outcomes.
Sources: Public hearing comments and roll‑call votes from the Feb. 25 Morristown Town Council meeting.
