A plan to allow cannabis retail sales along one of Upper Township’s busiest corridors will move forward following a public hearing that drew a strong and divided response from residents.
The Township Committee voted unanimously March 23 to adopt an ordinance creating a cannabis overlay zone along Roosevelt Boulevard. The designated area is located within a commercial district east of the Garden State Parkway, a primary route into Ocean City via the 34th Street bridge.
The ordinance permits a single Class 5 cannabis dispensary within the zone and does not allow on-site consumption. Township officials revisited the measure after a previously approved version was invalidated due to a procedural issue, requiring the ordinance to be introduced and adopted again.
Despite the unanimous vote, the public comment portion of the meeting reflected significant opposition. Many residents raised concerns about the potential impact on the township’s character, citing its role as a family-oriented community and a gateway to Ocean City. Others questioned whether increased access could contribute to issues related to substance use and youth exposure.
Concerns were also raised about the location itself, with some residents pointing to traffic conditions along Roosevelt Boulevard and the possibility of added safety risks in an already heavily traveled area.
Supporters of the ordinance, though fewer in number, said the plan represents a controlled approach to a product that is already available in nearby municipalities. They argued that regulation at the local level provides oversight, accountability and potential financial benefits.
Officials acknowledged that cannabis is already accessible in surrounding communities and said the ordinance reflects that reality. They also pointed to examples from other municipalities that have reported tax revenue tied to cannabis sales in recent months.
To address questions about oversight, representatives from the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission outlined the regulatory framework governing the industry. The system includes strict licensing requirements and product tracking from cultivation through point of sale, with safeguards intended to limit access by minors and ensure compliance. While those explanations were intended to provide reassurance, they did little to change the concerns expressed by opponents during the hearing.
With the ordinance now adopted, the township will move to the next phase by issuing a request for proposals for the single retail license. A township subcommittee will review submissions and make recommendations before a final selection is made.
Details regarding the application process and timeline are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The approval marks a significant step in shaping how cannabis sales will be handled locally, placing Upper Township among the municipalities that have opted to regulate the industry within their borders rather than prohibit it outright.
