UPPER FREEHOLD – The Township Committee has taken action to ban the production and sale of marijuana in the municipality by adopting an ordinance which prohibits all aspects of the cultivation, harvesting and sale of marijuana.
The ordinance, which was adopted March 1, states it is unlawful in Upper Freehold Township “for any person or entity to engage in the planting, cultivation, growing, harvesting, processing, manufacturing, packing and/or sale of marijuana, any plant or product containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (the psychoactive part of marijuana), or any derivative or synthetic form” of the drug in the municipality.
The maximum penalty for violating the ordinance is a $2,000 fine, 90 days imprisonment and/or 90 days of community service. The minimum penalty is a $100 fine, according to the ordinance.
Mayor Stephen Alexander did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the governing body’s action. Deputy Mayor Robert Frascella said he had no comment on the committee’s adoption of the ordinance.
In New Jersey, the possession and distribution of marijuana for recreational purposes is illegal. The distribution of marijuana and possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana are considered indictable crimes; possession of more than 50 grams is seen as having the intent of distribution. Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense, according to state statutes.
Gov. Phil Murphy has said he will take action to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
The ordinance adopted in Upper Freehold does not discuss the possession or general distribution of marijuana; it makes the production and sale of marijuana illegal within the municipality.
