Hoboken council rejects measure to allow cannabis stores within 600 ft. of schools

The Hoboken City Council voted down an ordinance that would’ve allow cannabis dispensaries to open within 600 feet of schools at last night’s meeting.

By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View

That provision was briefly allowed in the Mile Square City, but that changed after the governing body adopted “common sense” cannabis regulations in April 2022.

With no one appointed to succeed late 6th Ward Councilwoman Jen Giattino, the vote failed 4-4. 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo, 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero, and Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour voted yes, while Acting Council President Jim Doyle, 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano, and 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, and 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos voted no.

“That ordinance fails introduction,” Hoboken City Clerk Jimmy Farina said.

Doyle, the council vice president who has presided over their meetings since Giattino’s passing, explained that since the ordinance was voted down on first reading, one related ordinance and one related resolution didn’t require a vote.

“There was a resolution that would have allowed you all to speak, but that was pulled. We didn’t get to speak, and that sucks,” Max Thompson, a co-owner of Blue Violets dispensary, said during public comment.

He noted they approved a cannabis ordinance in 2021 that zoned cannabis dispensaries.

“It sent a signal that Hoboken was open for cannabis business, and that invitation stayed open for over 6 six months … This council changed the laws. The time of application law is a state law that says towns shouldn’t change rules on businesses after they apply. If the appellate court rules against us, Hoboken will have figured out a creative loophole at that time of application.”

He also said the council’s actions delayed their state Cannabis Review Board application, which he called “a pretty clever trick.”

He said Village Hoboken dispensary is in a similar situation by being too close to a school and Blue Violets remains embroiled in civil litigation.

Rev. Elaine Thomas, a rector at the All Saints Episcopal Parish, said the rules around cannabis dispensaries should be more clear and transparent.

“I don’t how to trust this council and the process if you can come and put an amendment what your intent was but you never put it in an official ordinance,” she said.

Thomas was critical of the fact that Hoboken was considering going out of their way to accomodate dispenaries, drawing some outcries from the pro-cannabis members of the audience.

“Quiet down please,” Doyle said.

Thomas questioned how many were open.

“A lot of them! Woo!” a woman called from the crowd in favor of Blue Violets.

“Quiet down please!” Doyle exclaimed this time.

Another resident, Matthew Johnson also cited the time of application rule. He said the Village and The Station dispensaries have the same problem.

“They don’t seem to be under the same scrutiny that Blue Violets has … How many countless bars, liquor stores, and smoke shops do we all have in the vicinities of these schools?” he asked.

Johnson also claimed that Blue Violets is a small, family-run business, as did Colby Olson.

“You would never know it is there if you weren’t seeking it out … Across the street from the school is a massive smoke shop lit up bright and light,” he said.

“Never have I heard of a restaurant retroactively being shut unless they’re a public nuisance or they have liquor license violations. These people run a good business. It’s completely unfair that, retroactively, you change the law on them,” Stuart Rosen asserted.

Emily Wirt said Hobokenites want cheap rent and access to weed, preferably from small local businesses, so the council should stop putting up roadblocks.

“Lauren and Max have proven themselves beyond a doubt that they should remain open as a vibrant business in this community. I can’t wait for the day when you can say how cannabis tax revenue is being used to improve our city,” she continued.

“You guys aren’t paying attention to me. It’s not even about the 600 feet. You’re letting your ego get the best of a situation that the citizens think should be laid to rest in favor of Blue Violets.”

“We’re safe. We’re discreet. I’m keeping cannabis away from minors … It is medicine. I’m not just trying to get people high … Small businesses have the most to lose. We’re easy to bury in litigation,” Lauren Thompson, Max’s wife and the other Blue Violets co-owner said.

“He was in full compliance, and I wanted to cry. And now you all want to drag them back in court? Protect this man’s establishment,” Pat Waiters declared to applause.