HOWELL COUNCIL MOVES TO BAN LOCAL POT FARMS

Officials Say Effort Is Similar To Action That Has Been Taken In Other
Communities

Howell officials have introduced an ordinance that if adopted would
prevent marijuana to be used for medical purposes from being grown in
Howell.

The proposed ordinance in Howell is similar to legislation that has
been introduced and/or adopted in Upper Freehold Township in Monmouth
County and Plumsted Township in Ocean County.

Specifically, the ordinance establishes compliance with federal law as
criteria for approval by zoning and construction officials as well as
other applicable township employees.

Federal law prohibits the growing of marijuana.

The ordinance was introduced on Dec. 13. Apublic hearing will be held
at the Jan. 3 Township Council meeting and the governing body could
adopt the ordinance that evening.

According to the ordinance, applications in front of the Zoning Board
of Adjustment, the Board of Health or the Planning Board will be
deemed noncompliant if they violate federal law.

While New Jersey enacted the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act
in 2010, federal laws still prohibit use of the drug.

Under New Jersey's law, the marijuana grown for medical purposes would
be distributed at dispensaries established by groups authorized by the
state to fill physicians' prescriptions for the drug for patients who
have specific medical conditions that could be improved by use of the
drug.

Following the introduction of the ordinance - which carries the title
of "An Ordinance of the Township Council of the Township of Howell
Prohibiting Approval of Applications Within Howell Township that
Require Township Government Approval Which Are in Violation of Federal
Law" - council members would not specifically comment on the
motivation for the proposed law.

They said people should look to what was done in other municipalities,
meaning Upper Freehold Township and Plumsted.

In a subsequent interview with Greater Media Newspapers, Mayor Robert
Walsh said there was a correlation with the Howell ordinance and
neighboring communities barring medical marijuana facilities. "It
stems from what's going on in Upper Freehold with (an applicant)
trying to put in a (facility to grow marijuana). I strongly support
the residents of Upper Freehold" who objected to the application, the
mayor said .

While blocking such facilities is a primary concern, Walsh said the
measure is designed to prohibit all applications that are in violation
of federal law.

"It really could go further," the mayor said. "It's ridiculous that
they can open facilities that break federal laws. That should not be
happening to any municipality anywhere. To me it would encompass all
businesses. If it violates federal laws, it should not be allowed.
Period, end of discussion."

The Township Council has scheduled its 2012 reorganization meeting for
Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal building, Preventorium Road, to
be followed by a workshop meeting at 7:30 p.m.