NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE Were it not for questions from one member of the Board of Commissioners on May 20, the city could soon be holding a public hearing on banning cannabis sales in Margate. Instead, the commissioners agreed to further discuss the issue before introducing an ordinance to opt-in or opt-out of allowing cannabis operations in the city.
Solicitor John Scott Abbott had prepared an ordinance opting out of allowing cannabis businesses in Margate, and a companion ordinance that would ban smoking cannabis products on public property.
Although Mayor Michael Becker and Commissioner John Amodeo said they oppose allowing cannabis operators in the city, Commissioner Maury Blumberg suggested licensing such operations like the city does for alcohol and selling ice cream on the beach.
He reminded his fellow commissioners that the legalization of recreational cannabis was overwhelmingly approved by voters in the November 2020 election.
People are going to be buying it, so why not let them buy it here, he said.
Margate's neighbors to the north and south have already introduced ordinances opting out of the cannabis business.
Longport, which is a mostly residential community, does not have any commercial areas available. Ventnor officials said retail would be the only type of five classes of cannabis licenses the city could consider, but agreed to opt-out and perhaps consider it at a later time.
Atlantic City already has a medical marijuana dispensary on the Boardwalk and will likely consider allowing sales and other operations within the city.
Abbott said he spoke with the commissioners, city clerk and police chief regarding the legislation and he prepared an ordinance prohibiting the sale of cannabis, marijuana or hashish.
Blumberg asked the commissioners and public to consider not discouraging businesses from coming into Margate.
I think we shouldn't close down a business from operating. I think we could issue licenses and treat it like we treat alcohol. If a business wants to entertain opening up and selling marijuana, why not have licenses, he said.
He said he believes businesses will open in surrounding areas and generate considerable tax revenue.
We might be missing out on something if we just say no, he said, asking commissioners to continue the dialog. We issue ice cream licenses, we issue alcohol licenses, we should be considering down the road issuing marijuana licenses.
If we don't pass this ordinance by August, it's allowed, Administrator Richard Deaney said.
Blumberg asked if in a year or so, the city decided to allow it, could the city then revise the ordinance to allow it.
Amodeo said he is concerned about the effect cannabis sales would have on tourism.
I don't feel it's a fit for us, he said.
Amodeo, who is Commissioner of Public Safety, expressed concerns about the limitations imposed on police to enforce existing laws.
We have had problems with kids with alcohol and probably marijuana on our beach and all throughout our town in the past where we couldn't do searches of Igloos and kids walking on the beach, now if a police officer makes a stop on the street of someone driving a motor vehicle and they smell marijuana and they can't see it, they have no probable cause, he said. It does handcuff our police department in many ways.
Amodeo said the city is up $112,000 in beach tag sales since 2019.
That's telling me right now what our summer is going to be like. I think our police will have their hands full, he said. With us being a small town with mom and pop businesses, I just don't think it looks good for our profile.
When it comes to this, I'm a bit of a prude, Becker said. My decision will be made on what's best for Margate. I agree with John, it's not an atmosphere we want to create here.
The commissioners need more understanding of the legislation before they can make a decision, Amodeo said.
The commissioners will wait for more information from Abbott regarding the legislation.
They proceeded to introduce the ordinance banning the smoking of cannabis products in city parks and property.
A discussion about posting signs prohibiting smoking ensued. Other signage prohibiting smoking at recreation areas, should suffice, officials said.
In order to assure you can enforce an ordinance like this, there should be a sign someplace, Deaney said. There should be publicly posted signs at entrances or some public places.
I hate signs, but they are a necessary evil, Becker said.
Police Chief Matthew Hankinson said the law is still vague regarding enforcement.
I think there are some things we need to discuss and work out as we move forward, he said. It will be a work in progress for all of us.
Regulations on establishing a responsible cannabis industry will be undertaken by the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which will hold its third Zoom meeting on June 1. Public discussion will be held on zoning and other local considerations.
Learn more at https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/about/
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