MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Morris Township Committee voted Wednesday to approve cannabis shops along the Ridgedale Avenue corridor, overturning the previous 2021 decision.

New Jersey legalized cannabis in 2020, but at the time Morris Township voted to not permit cannabis-related businesses in 2021, so officials could study the effects of those businesses on other towns.

However, in a four-to-one vote Wednesday, the Committee passed ordinances to allow all of the classes of a cannabis business, including a cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, and delivery service to operate within Morris Township.

A maximum of two licenses for each business class will be permitted.

“The Mayor and the Township Committee of the Township of Morris have determined that such cannabis ordinance amendments are in the best interest of the Township and the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and visitors,” according to Township Of Morris New Jersey Ordinance 07-25.

Mayor Donna Guarigilia said in the Committee meeting Wednesday that a legal cannabis business would deter black market sales and “prevent township residents from using dangerous, unregulated products.”

A caveat to this ruling is that there will be an “overlay zone,” which means cannabis-related businesses will be restricted to one area along the Ridgedale Avenue corridor, and creates a 250-foot buffer zone between the businesses and schools, child care centers, and places of worship.