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The applicant waited eight months for approval
Kusala Care Cannabis has received permission to proceed with its application to grow cannabis, but the council is debating residents’ choice of such businesses in a November referendum.
Marsha A. Stoltz, NorthJersey.com
OAKLAND — Council members voted to approve a cannabis farm on Muller Road, but then debated a November referendum question to see if residents want such businesses in the area.
The council approved three systems that would allow five non-retail cannabis businesses to be established in the state by December 2021. Kusala Care Cannabis LLC filed the $6.8 million tort lawsuit last December after the board failed to act on the application, eight months after it filed to open a cannabis farm on Mueller Road.
Wednesday’s vote was met with applause from residents who attended several meetings seeking support and approval. Councilmen Pat Pignatelli, Kevin Slasinski and Russell Talamini voted yes, Councilmen Steven Saliani and Eric Kulmala were absent, and Councilman John McCann abstained.
The board’s attorney, Matthew Gilson, went on to say that there was a “two-pronged process” and that “the idea that they’re going to start growing tomorrow is not correct.”
“There is a statewide permit requirement that the applicant must go through, and there is a Planning Board process. “The applicant submits a site plan. At that time they should provide more information about odor control. All these things are examined by the planning board engineer and planner. They should provide information about traffic, parking. “
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After the meeting, Kusala Care COO George Lutfi said they will apply for the next state license.
Councilor John McCann has led a relentless campaign against the systems since his appointment in June 2022. Just because 62 percent of Oakland voters approved legalizing adult recreational marijuana in a November 2020 statewide referendum doesn’t mean they want the businesses, he insists. To work in the area.
Citing various health risks, McCann has repeatedly announced that he will not allow any cannabis application, regardless of legality, and has sought to overturn the state’s three ordinances that define four zones in which cannabis businesses can operate.
Other councilors were more muted or silent on the topic. Culmala and Pignatelli focus on the problems that arise from changing government regulations on emerging businesses in municipalities.
A motion to repeal the laws was made, but the debate continued through several council meetings. Most recently, the House moved to a non-binding referendum in November to seek voter input on the question.
A draft resolution proposing the referendum, posted with the April 12 agenda, reads: “Do you support allowing businesses in Oakland Borough to operate as defined by the State of New Jersey to cultivate, manufacture and distribute cannabis?”
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The problem is that the wording covers only three of the five approved categories: agriculture, production and distribution. A question has been raised as to whether wholesaler and delivery categories should be added to the term. Mayor Linda Schwager questioned whether the retail sale should be increased, but was advised that it should be the subject of a separate request since it was not part of the original ordinance.
The council agreed more discussion is needed on the wording, with the county’s deadline 80 days before the November election.
A video of the April 12 meeting can be viewed on YouTube.
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