Morristown, NJ – In an ongoing legal battle between the Township of Morristown and Uma Flowers, a Massachusetts-based cannabis company, Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz heard arguments from both sides this past week.
Judge Minkowitz advised both parties, stating, “Sometimes we all know that just sitting across the table from one another, or a virtual table, can resolve many issues.”
Uma Flowers was awarded a license by Morristown in 2022, but to date, they have yet to open. According to their filings, construction is expected to be complete by January 2025. The Township Council voted against renewing the license in a 4-2 vote, with Council members Steve Pylupchuk and Robert Iannaccone in favor of the renewal.
In June 2024, Morristown voted to revoke Uma Flowers’ license after a report from the local Cannabis Advisory Committee cited “incomplete projects throughout Massachusetts” and stated that Uma Flowers “falls short of the specificity we have come to expect from projects in Morristown.”
Uma Flowers is represented by “go to” Morris County development attorney Frank Vitolo, Esq., of Sills Cummis. Vitolo successfully secured a temporary ban preventing Morristown from issuing more than one new cannabis license, thereby reserving a license for Uma Flowers.
On behalf of Uma Flowers, Vitolo argued, “In a little under three months—lightning speed for a municipality like Morristown—the defendants engaged in a coordinated effort to reject Uma’s license renewal request, take Uma’s license away, deny its appeal, and introduce legislation to give Uma’s license to another applicant.”
Following Judge Minkowitz’s request for both parties to find a solution, Vitolo submitted an additional filing on September 26, 2024. In this filing, he stated, “In light of the foregoing, it does not appear there will be any benefit to the Court delaying its decision in this matter. We tried.” This included a copy of an email from attorneys for the Township indicating that, “the Town is not interested in engaging in settlement discussions at this time.”
This legal battle occurs at a pivotal moment for New Jersey. While many municipalities have approved retail cannabis locations, few have actual opening dates due to funding challenges or lengthy approval processes. Additionally, there has been an influx of lawsuits regarding cannabis, similar to those seen in Jersey City among competing cannabis retailers.
Under state law, all cannabis-related operations must provide a 2% tax to local municipalities on sales, presenting a potentially lucrative revenue source for local governments.
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Morristown, New Jersey has been at the center of a heated debate over the opening of a cannabis dispensary in the town. Insider NJ has been closely following the developments and providing in-depth coverage of the fight to bring legal marijuana to Morristown.
The push to open a cannabis dispensary in Morristown began when New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana in November 2020. The state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission was tasked with issuing licenses for dispensaries, but Morristown officials were hesitant to welcome a cannabis business into their community.
Opponents of the dispensary argue that it would bring crime and other negative impacts to the town. They also express concerns about the potential for increased drug use among young people. However, supporters of the dispensary point to the economic benefits it could bring, including job creation and increased tax revenue for the town.
Insider NJ has been covering the various public hearings and town meetings where residents have voiced their opinions on the issue. The publication has also interviewed local business owners, law enforcement officials, and experts in the cannabis industry to provide a comprehensive look at both sides of the debate.
One of the main challenges facing those advocating for a cannabis dispensary in Morristown is navigating the complex regulatory framework set forth by the state. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission has strict guidelines for licensing dispensaries, including requirements for security measures, product testing, and employee training.
Despite these challenges, there is growing momentum behind the push to open a cannabis dispensary in Morristown. Proponents argue that legalizing marijuana will help combat the illicit market and provide safe access to cannabis for those who need it for medical purposes.
Insider NJ will continue to provide coverage of the fight to open a cannabis dispensary in Morristown as it unfolds. Stay tuned for updates on this important issue that is shaping the future of the town and its residents.