Princeton Cannabis Task Force Holds First Meeting and Leads the Way, Other Towns Follow

cannabis task force Princeton dispensary

The Princeton Cannabis Task Force held its first meeting on allowing dispensaries and other companies and began creating new cannabis policies for the town while other towns follow them.

While thorough, a Green Rusher looking for permission to open a business in town or a libertarian might be disappointed.

Councilwoman Eve Niedergang (D) is chairing the Princeton cannabis task force. She explained that it was the first meeting of many.

“Is there an advantage to acting fast?” Niedergang asked rhetorically.

She explained the cannabis Task Force has two overarching questions to address.

“What is the best thing for this town in terms of how we approach education and guide enforcement?” she asked rhetorically. “And whether or not it would benefit the community to have some aspect of the cannabis industry here.”

She said they are likely to decide whether or not to allow dispensaries by July. Niedergang noted zoning regulations would have to be implemented if they allow a cannabis company to operate within the town.

“We really want to approach this with social justice front and center,” she added.

Niedergang noted that the debate over legalization and cannabis use is over, and they will not relitigate it.

“You’re going to be able to sit home on your computer and order what you want,” she said regarding home delivery.

Niedergang admitted she is not an expert on cannabis policy herself and thus appreciated others’ expertise on the Cannabis Task Force.

“So much is undecided,” Niedergang said, noting the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) has yet to meet.

“This process is kind of like laying the tracks for the railroad while… the train is approaching you from behind,” she added.

Cannabis Task Force Assembles Experts

Along with Niedergang, Council President Leticia Fraga and Councilwoman Michelle Lambros (both Democrats) are on the task force as well. Lambros said 30 people asked to be on the task force before it was settled.

Dr. David Nathan of Doctors for Cannabis Regulations (DCFR), who represents them on the ACLU pro-cannabis coalition (where I represent the Latino Action Network, full disclosure) is also on the cannabis task force. He is a Princeton local who practices there as well. Udi Ofer of the ACLU’s national justice division was also appointed. He was formerly the ACLU NJ Director when in 2014, they launched their legalization campaign.

“We believe in decriminalizing all drugs for personal use,” he said, noting Oregon passed a similar law last fall. He said it’s inevitable in the next ten years that New Jersey will do so as well. While Governor Phil Murphy commented that he could see that happening, it is far from inevitable.

Former NJ Cannabis Industry Association President Hugh O’Beirne, a cannabis consultant and a Princeton resident, was appointed as well. While active for some time, that organization is now defunct.

“It’s uncertain when the regulations will be completed,” said O’Beirne.

Indeed, Cannabis Regulatory Commission Chair Dianna Houenou has refrained from setting deadlines. He noted the CRC should have been seated by September 2019, their first meeting is Monday.

Adult-use Cannabis Legalization Implementation Debate

The whole process seems to leave it open for Princeton to be one of the most cannabis-friendly towns or one of the not-so-friendly towns, of which there are many.

“If we opt out, we can get back in,” Niedergang said regarding a ban of dispensaries

Vice-Chair of the Princeton Civil Rights Commission Sherrod Smith said licenses should be distributed justly.

Valeria Torres-Olivares will represent Princeton’s civil rights group, Not in Our Time, on the commission as well.

Kristen Appleget, representing Princeton University, and a representative of the college’s Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) chapter were appointed as well. From a science perspective, Abby Kalmbach, studying the medical potential of cannabis, was appointed too.

Andrew Siegel of Hamilton’s Jewelry Store represented downtown businesses. Lisa Goldsmith, a nurse in the public school system, and Director of Social Services at Princeton Senior Center Sharon Hurley, were appointed as well.

Gary DeBlasio of Cornerhouse, a rehab, and Courtney Navas of the Princeton Police were also appointed. Based on the nature of their positions, they are more likely to oppose or delay pro-cannabis measures than the others. However, Navas went to a George Floyd protest. Furthermore, De Blasio noted scaring teens about cannabis doesn’t work.

Among the many assets of a state maligned due to its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia is Princeton. While not a large city, it is home to one of the best colleges in America, renowned as a bastion of science and the arts. The town draws people in from elsewhere for its college programs, quality art museum, and fine downtown, among other reasons.

It would be a great place for a dispensary.

Grow Site Proposed in Red Bank

Homebuilder Charlie Farkouh would like to open a grow site in Red Bank in Monmouth County on the other side of Central Jersey from Princeton. He applied to grow medical cannabis in a warehouse. A nearby Rumson resident, he has built many houses in town. However, the site he sought was not approved since he was not given a variance or exception.

“We already have a resolution on the books in support of cannabis in Red Bank,” Councilman Ed Zipperich (D) said regarding the prospect of a cannabis company in town. In 2018, Red Bank came out in favor of a medical cannabis dispensary within its boundaries.

“I think our council will be in favor. I, for one, welcome new businesses to town. In this case, any newly formed, state-licensed business is surely welcomed in Red Bank,” he added.

Red Bank is already home to Kevin Smith’s Secret Stash Comic Book Shop, along with a CBD store. It’s also where Governor Phil Murphy of neighboring Middletown had an office before being elected. While it does not contain a college, it has a vibrant downtown and Democratically inclined residents that make it a natural place for a cannabis company like a dispensary to be located.

Ocean City, NJ, far less renowned than the popular Maryland boardwalk beach town, is among the latest towns that don’t like cannabis.

They are acutely aware of the racist police brutality that has occurred and the misinformation spread due to marijuana prohibition, especially among the youth.

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