Morristown Opens Doors for Cannabis Retailers: Two Local Licenses Up for Grabs

Morristown, NJ – Aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs take note: the Town of Morristown has officially opened the application process for up to two local retail cannabis licenses, marking a major step forward in the town’s embrace of the regulated cannabis industry. The application window began on December 3, 2024, and submissions will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on December 18, 2024.

The initiative is part of Morristown’s commitment to supporting local businesses while ensuring cannabis retail operations align with state regulations and the community's values. The Morristown Cannabis Advisory Board will evaluate the applications and make recommendations to the Town Council, which will ultimately decide the winners.

What’s on Offer

Morristown plans to award two licenses to operate cannabis retail businesses within town limits. These licenses are part of the town's broader effort to balance economic opportunity with community safety and compliance.

Key Dates and Deadlines:

• Application Start Date: December 3, 2024
• Submission Deadline: December 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
• Application Fee: $2,500 (non-refundable)

Applications must be submitted in a sealed envelope to the Business Administrator’s Office at Morristown Town Hall. Late submissions or those submitted in unsealed envelopes will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

To ensure transparency and fairness, the Morristown Cannabis Advisory Board has outlined a robust set of criteria that applicants must meet. Submissions will be evaluated based on factors such as:

1. Site Control: Proof of lawful possession of the proposed retail location, such as a deed, lease, or letter of intent. Locations must meet zoning regulations, including minimum distance requirements from schools, houses of worship, and other cannabis retailers.
2. Compliance: Commitment to adhere to state and local employment laws, including affirmative action and anti-discrimination policies.
3. Financial Stability: Demonstrated ability to fund and operate a cannabis retail business.
4. Community Benefits: Proposals outlining how the business will contribute to Morristown, including local hiring commitments and community initiatives.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Evidence of diverse ownership and equitable hiring practices.
6. Security Measures: A detailed plan for safeguarding products, cash, and customers.
7. Experience: Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in highly regulated industries, particularly cannabis.
8. Good Neighbor Policies: A strategy for addressing potential community concerns such as traffic, noise, and odor.

Requirements and Restrictions

Applicants must submit one original and five copies of their application. Each submission should include:

• A cover letter.
• Responses to all selection criteria.
• Proof of business registration.
• A completed entity information form.
• The $2,500 application fee.

Businesses applying for a license are also required to meet several local zoning restrictions. Cannabis retailers cannot be located:

• Within 1,000 feet of a school (elementary, middle, or high school).
• Within 200 feet of a house of worship.
• Within 1,000 feet of another cannabis retailer.

Additionally, all proposed locations must be in existing structures, with renovations allowed but no ground-up construction.

Community and Economic Impact

The introduction of cannabis retail licenses reflects the town’s effort to tap into the burgeoning legal cannabis market while prioritizing community welfare. Town officials expect the licensed retailers to contribute to economic growth through job creation, tax revenue, and increased foot traffic for nearby businesses.

Applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline, with recommendations presented to the Town Council for a vote. Successful applicants will then have up to 12 months to obtain a state-issued Class 5 Cannabis Retailer License. If delays occur, the advisory board may grant a six-month extension at its discretion.

Unsuccessful applicants will have the opportunity to reapply in future rounds if additional licenses are made available.

A Competitive Opportunity

Morristown’s cannabis retail licenses are expected to attract significant interest from entrepreneurs across the region. With a carefully crafted application process and clear selection criteria, the town aims to foster a thriving cannabis industry that serves both local businesses and residents.

For more information or to obtain an application packet, visit the Town Clerk’s Office at Morristown Town Hall or download the materials from the town’s website at www.townofmorristown.org. Questions can be directed to Jillian Barrick at administrator@townofmorristown.org.

Stay tuned as Morristown continues to navigate this new chapter in its economic and cultural landscape, bringing both innovation and opportunity to the community.

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