Morristown council adopts local cannabis licensing ordinance after debate over selection criteria

The Morristown Town Council on Sept. 10 adopted ordinance O-25-2024, creating local cannabis licensing and business regulations intended to give the town more oversight over where and how cannabis businesses operate.

Council opened a public hearing on the ordinance and took no public comment before discussing the measure. Supporters said the ordinance gives the town clearer tools to prevent sales to minors and to exercise local control; one council member said explicitly that, despite personal reservations about this type of business, he would support the ordinance to strengthen oversight. Opposition centered on the removal of selection criteria that had been developed by a broad subcommittee; one council member said a promised subcommittee review did not occur and warned that removing the criteria while an RFP is being drafted could create "the possibility of allegations of favoritism." That member told colleagues he "would not be voting in favor of this."

The council then voted on the ordinance. The clerk recorded the following votes: Councilwoman Foster — Yes; Councilman Anacone — No; Councilwoman Lindsey — Yes; Councilwoman Kalitcha — Yes; Councilman Russo — Yes; Councilman Silva — Yes; Council President Umbriak — Yes. The ordinance was adopted.

Council members who supported the ordinance nevertheless asked staff to return with clearer selection criteria or definitions so the town's selection process is more transparent. One councilmember who voted yes said he favored the ordinance because it would "help to have more control over the situation" and to limit inappropriate sales to minors.

Next steps: the ordinance now stands adopted by the council; the administration and council indicated they will continue work on selection criteria and implementation details, and a subcommittee discussion was suggested by members who expressed concern about the drafting process.