Whether we’re collectively or individually supportive, opposed or indifferent, legalized cannabis is now the “law of the land” in New Jersey, and cannabis businesses are likely to legally begin operations across the state before the end of the year.

New Jersey voters in the 2020 election voted “yes” in a ballot question on whether or not to legalize cannabis sales, by a margin of two to one. Part of the New Jersey State Legislature’s implementation of the ballot question was to create a window of a few months, until August 21, 2021, for municipalities to “opt-in” or “opt-out” of allowing cannabis businesses in their towns. These decisions would be binding for five years.

New Jersey Monthly magazine reported in December 2021 that while nearly three quarters of municipalities in New Jersey opted out of allowing cannabis businesses in their borders, 98 towns passed laws to allow for cannabis retailers, growers, manufacturers and other businesses in their areas. According to a list posted online by New Jersey 101.5 in October, and other sources, some of the towns opting-in for cannabis establishments also feature large observant Jewish communities such as Bergenfield, Elizabeth, Englewood, Fair Lawn, Highland Park, Passaic, Teaneck and West Orange.

This report takes a closer look at the state of cannabis commerce in four of those towns.

Bergenfield

As reported in the Bergen Record on February 7, 2022, the Borough Council of Bergenfield is reviewing a measure to allow businesses to cultivate and manufacture cannabis products. And one site that a proposed vendor, Eleven Eleven Wellness, is considering for such a business is a former Sears store near the corner of New Bridge Road and South Washington Avenue, close to the Teaneck border. “This is right at the border of town,” said Mayor Arvin Amatory in the news story. “It would not cause any disturbance or detriment to the residents.” Borough Administrator Corey Gallo added, “It would be a disservice to the residents not to at least evaluate and go through the process.” The Council plans to vote on the matter at its March 1 meeting.

One outspoken opponent of Eleven Eleven Wellness’ plans is Barry Doll, a member of the local Jewish community. As he stated in the news story: “I’ve been in Bergenfield more than 50 years. To have a drug factory here, it doesn’t feel like the right kind of business for the town. … I don’t think we should be involved in this at all.”

Doll prepared a report that stated that the plan for the Sears building would be to grow and harvest marijuana at that location five times a year, processing a total of five tons with the assistance of 50 employees. Bergenfield would collect taxes to the tune of $1 million.

Former Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz took to Facebook to express his opposition to an marijuana factory in the former Sears building. “I don’t think that it’s in the best interest of Bergenfield to welcome pot growers to Washington Avenue at the entrance of our town… Is this what you want Bergenfield to be known for?” he asked. He encouraged residents to attend a council meeting on March 1 to protest the measure.

Englewood

The Town Council of Englewood voted on July 29, 2021 to prohibit the cultivation and sale of cannabis in their city. Mayor Michael Wildes, a member of the local Jewish community, promptly vetoed their decision.

In a story published August 7, 2021 in the Bergen Record, Wildes stated: “I think it is ridiculous given the circumstances of this. Both Teaneck and Fort Lee have approved the sale in some capacity. I think that it would be foolish not to monetize something that will be in the city … there will be generations to come that will judge us for missing the opportunity to put money from this in the treasure chest.”

Speaking with The Jewish Link this week, Englewod Councilman Michael Cohen offered this update: “At this point, the city of Englewood’s governing body has made no definitive decision on whether or not to allow any of the various forms of cannabis-related businesses into our city. Over the past few weeks the town has conducted the initial meetings of a newly constructed civilian task force whose responsibility is to study the desire of the city’s residents and to report back its findings so that our council can know the feelings of those we represent prior to making a decision.

“In trying to assess the feelings of my ward on this issue there are a number of factors to consider,” he continued. “Firstly, while many individuals do not want their position to be public considering the sensitivity of the issue and perceived stigmas attached, over 70% of the ward voted in favor of the referendum to legalize cannabis in such a way in the last general election. Secondly, we must look to the realities on the ground. If the majority of our neighboring municipalities vote to have such operations, then us singularly prohibiting in its entirety such activity on principle will not have any effect on the industry in our community or access to such items, and [will] only ensure that the city does not receive any financial gain which can be used [for] education programs on cannabis and the like.

“In speaking to my ward residents I do know, and as a father of young children, agree, that we should not permit any retail component of the industry. Beyond that, I will continue to speak with our community leaders, religious leaders and residents and make sure that my vote represents the will of those I serve.”

Highland Park

In August 2021 the Borough Council of Highland Park unanimously passed an ordinance that allows cannabis dispensaries to operate in town. The ordinance allows cannabis retailers but prohibits cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and wholesale distribution.

At two open forums on the topic held before the vote, residents spoke in favor and in opposition to the ordinance; opponents included two physicians affiliated with the observant Jewish community. As the town advances plans to approve cannabis retailers, a few Orthodox residents continue to voice concerns at Council meetings.

In a story in the Home News Tribune on August 27, 2021, Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler said: “With cannabis sales slated to be allowed in our two large bordering towns, it’s a moot point as to whether or not there will be cannabis consumed in our town. It most certainly will. What this new ordinance does is enable Highland Park to influence how cannabis will be distributed in Highland Park and to reap tax benefits from its retail sales.”

Teaneck

Speaking to The Jewish Link, Councilman Keith Kaplan said that in August 2021 the Teaneck Council opted-in, deciding that all cannabis commercial licenses would be allowed in one section of town—the Alfred Avenue Light Industrial Zone. This “out of the way location,” he pointed out, is at the edge of town, by the border of Englewood, and is bracketed by a highway, a river and empty lots. The Council has given approval to one commercial cannabis entity, is likely to approve a second, and is investigating a third.

According to Kaplan, of those residents who attended Council meetings on this issue and spoke in opposition, none were members of the observant Jewish community. He recalls that a few younger Modern Orthodox residents spoke in favor of the move to allow cannabis businesses in town. He has seen opposition from members of other Jewish denominations and older members of the African American community; he tells them that, if you look at police reports, “we can all agree that marijuana has been sold in our town for a long time. All we’re talking about now is who’s selling and what they’re selling. Adding regulation is a good thing.”