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UPPER TWP., NJ — Upper Township officials are considering allowing cannabis retail sales near the entryway to Ocean City.
“The only reason I’m even entertaining this is for the revenue side,” Mayor Curtis Corson explained to an opposing resident. He said a “conservative estimate” would put them at getting about $20,000 a month. Only one license would be approved.
Corson said the town would use that revenue for recreation capital costs, beach replenishment and for the general fund.
The location was chosen as it is a major thoroughfare for shore traffic and away from residents, daycares, churches and more.
“Somers Point and Roosevelt Boulevard have two of the biggest busiest liquor stores in the state of New Jersey,” Corson said. “Why are those liquor stores out there? Because Ocean City is dry.”
Alcohol and marijuana are not sold in Ocean City, but they already exist there, Corson said.
“Where’s the place we can get the best bang for our buck?” he said.
Some residents feared allowing marijuana in the community, considering it a gateway drug.
“I do not believe that having cannabis sales in our community is in the best interest of our citizens,” Marmora resident Diane Leo said. She said that it could lead to more serious drug addictiion.
Spencer Belz, a cannabis industry worker who also lives in Marmora, expressed his support.
“I think you are not going to regret this decision by any means and we are all collectively going to benefit from it,” Belz said.
No specific location is set for a potential dispensary; officials noted multiple properties were suitable.
Three ordinances addressing cannabis sales were introduced. They will be up for a public hearing and vote at the Feb. 23 meeting.
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