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Morris Township committee adopts cannabis licensing and zoning ordinances amid heated public debate
Summary
After nearly two hours of public comment split between opponents and supporters, the Morris Township Committee adopted Ordinances O7‑25 (local cannabis regulations) and O8‑25 (cannabis overlay zoning). Votes were 4–1 on each ordinance; committee members said approvals set a local review process and do not guarantee any business will open.
The Morris Township Committee on Wednesday voted to adopt two companion ordinances that establish local regulations (O7‑25) and an overlay zoning district (O8‑25) to permit limited cannabis businesses in narrowly defined commercial areas.
After extended public comment — with residents and nonresidents both opposing and supporting the ordinances — the committee adopted O7‑25 (the licensing and regulatory ordinance) and O8‑25 (the zoning overlay) by roll call votes of 4 to 1 each. Committee member Giannada voted no on O7‑25 and the member identified as Donata voted no on O8‑25; the remaining members voted yes.
The ordinances set a process for applicants, establish an advisory review and criteria, and create an overlay along a short stretch of the Ridgedale Avenue/John Street corridor that committee members said is underused and suited for the proposed uses. Township Attorney Jared Cantor explained the multi‑step approval pathway: applicants…
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