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Plainfield Eager for Benefits of the Cannabis Industry as an Impact Zone

Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp held a cannabis legalization forum where he touted the benefits they would receive from cannabis companies since they are an impact zone. He also answered questions posed by residents.

“We will be guided by the wishes and desires of residents who realize the importance of the city aligning itself with those who voted for legalization,” Mapp said.

Director of Economic Development Valerie Jackson noted they have till August 21st to adopt a pro-cannabis ordinance. She explained the council would tell the Planning Board to investigate and then report back. Then the council will adopt an ordinance zoning for cannabis. Jackson explained they would start the process on June 14th and end it in August.

“This is an incredibly exciting time in New Jersey and the city of Plainfield,” Corporation Counsel David Minchello said.

Plainfield, in Union County, is a majority-minority city whereby Hispanics and African Americans are the majority. NJ Senate cannabis sponsor Nick Scutari represents Plainfield.

Plainfield voted for legalization in the state referendum by 76 percent Mapp noted.

Prospective Cannabis Companies

Minchello noted Plainfield is an impact zone, which means that 70 percent of the state collected by the cannabis industry would be redistributed amongst the 23 municipalities deemed to be “impact zones.” He said there would be grants and programs. License applicants will receive preferential treatment. Minchello added he could not answer how much it would cost to enter the industry when the facilitator posed the question.

Jackson said wholesale and cultivation would be in the industrial district, while retail will likely be placed in the downtown commercial district.

“Plainfield first. We believe in our residents. We believe in our businesses. We’re not looking for a big conglomerate to come and eat up all the opportunities,” said Plainfield Business Administrator Abby Levenson.

Minchello said they can help potential local businesses with the process. He noted they could choose to allow five of the six cannabis license categories to allow within Plainfield. Jackson explained classes of licenses for businesses that could be allowed. She noted they could also receive tax revenue from the businesses at different rates. As an impact zone, they need the revenue from cannabis.

“Ultimately, it will be up to the State to approve each individual license,” he said. Minchello added Mapp and the administration will approve which cannabis companies will be allowed and which ones should receive a license.

Plainfield Cannabis Developments

A Plainfield survey completed said 53 percent would allow a cultivation license in town, manufacturing was yes by 57 percent, 57 percent would allow wholesaling, 61 percent would allow a distributor, and 61 percent want a dispensary in Plainfield. It’s an ongoing survey that residents can vote in until May 31st.

Mapp noted that if they get more revenue into the city, then they can stabilize taxes. He added it would also create jobs for those looking to work in local cannabis establishments.

He added they’re going to put a summary of the six cannabis licenses on the website.

Guidance from New Jersey Needed

“We are still waiting from guidance from the State,” Minchello said in response to a question on it. “As of today, we do not yet have guidance from the State on the criteria of those licenses.”

Jackson said the cannabis industry will be competitive.

This industry is going to be highly regulated,” Mapp said, noting it will prevent a harmful impact from the advent of the NJ cannabis industry.

“Do some research,” she said. Jackson recommended people thinking about getting into the business is to look into the New Jersey Cannabis Association.

“Go to the State’s website and also search on cannabis to learn more about how to open a business on this,” she added.

Economic Benefits of Cannabis

Mapp said there would be no downsides he knew of for them not to approve a license. Jackson said they could lose tax revenue, businesses, and jobs to other towns if they do not take action.

“There will be benefits to other business as well, from the foot traffic,” Mapp said.

Levenson noted some of their neighbors have opted out of allowing cannabis companies in town, which could benefit them. When asked if cannabis would lead to crime, she said it was a philosophical discussion and that making cannabis illegal creates an underground market in response to a question on it.

“We don’t have any data on it,” she added.

Mapp said it could be argued it would decrease crime since underground entrepreneurs could sell cannabis legally.

Minchello said Scotch Plains would allow a dispensary on its Rt. 22 corridor when asked what other towns were doing.

He explained that certain cannabis crimes are being expunged and recommended people affected discuss it with an attorney when asked what the city is doing to help people affected by the War on Drugs.

“You cannot smell anything from the outside. Everything is contained within the building,” Jackson said when asked if the businesses emit an odor.

A translator explained the nuances of the meeting in Spanish.

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