The township committee of Middletown is reportedly preparing itself for the potential legalization of marijuana in New Jersey.
Is Marijuana Legal in Middletown, New Jersey?
Although no formal legislation has not been introduced as of yet, it appears that Middletown is planning to introduce legislation that would prevent marijuana-related businesses from operating with the township’s borders if, in fact, New Jersey does move towards the legalization of marijuana. Based on the information that has been released at this point in time, the potential legislation will be in the form of what is known as a “township ordinance.” Each individual town in New Jersey has the ability to enact their own “ordinances,” which govern certain conduct within their jurisdictions. Although no formal date has been set to vote on the potential ordinance, the framework has begun. It has been reported that the committee’s underlying intention with respect to the ordinance is not only to control whether or not marijuana-related businesses can operate within the township, but also where they can operate if selling marijuana is not banned entirely.
Middletown committeeman, Tony Fiore told the Asbury Park Press that his opposition to marijuana in town is based on “the best interests of Middletown residents and taxpayers” and he does not believe that municipalities are shaping up to be “big winners” in the legalization of marijuana. According to the Asbury Park Press, Fiore went on to state that “the committee is not interested in absorbing local costs that would come with legalized weed without new, significant revenue from the state.” He said, “Helping the state spend money in other areas while providing no real incentives to help lower property taxes in a meaningful way to Middletown taxpayers is something that I nor any of my colleagues are interested in being a party to.”
Fiore’s argument is just one of the many points argued by those opposed to legalizing marijuana in New Jersey. For instance, many fear that even if marijuana is legalized in New Jersey this could lead to an increase in crime, including driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, death by auto, and eluding charges.
Middletown is just one of the many townships throughout the state that is making this strategic move meant to strengthen the their ability to actually control the sale of marijuana within their borders. Numerous townships, including Berkeley Township, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights and Toms River have already formally introduced legislation to ban the sale of marijuana within their borders, while countless other municipalities throughout the state continue to better prepare like Middletown has.
For more information on this movement, please checkout app.com’s article labeled NJ marijuana legalization: Middletown gets ready for legal weed.
Facing a Marijuana Charge in Middletown, NJ?
Since major roadways like the Garden State Parkway, Route 35 and Route 36 cut right through Middletown, the number of arrest for marijuana possession in the area seems to be constantly on the rise. Anyone arrested for possessing less than 50 grams of marijuana in Middletown will be facing what is known as a disorderly persons offense, that is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. Since it is a disorderly persons offense to possess less than 50 grams of weed, the charges will be litigated in the Middletown Municipal Court, which is located at 1 Kings Highway. If you would like to speak to one of the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law about your options, then please contact our office at (732) 858-6959 or leave us an email. Our attorneys provide consultations free of charge.
