Cannabis Review Board Meeting Fails to Draw Attendance

Roselle Park Cannabis Review Board Meets Amid Low Public Interest

ROSELLE PARK, NJ — A recent meeting of the Roselle Park Cannabis Review Board, held at Borough Hall, highlighted the challenges of navigating public interest and local cannabis policy. Despite being open to the public, the meeting saw no attendees and lasted only five minutes.

Key Officials in Attendance

The meeting convened in the Borough Hall Conference Room with Mayor Joseph Signorello III, Chief of Police Dominick Frino, Zoning Officer Richard Belluscio, and Chief Administrative Officer Andrew J. Casais in attendance. Mayor Signorello officially called the meeting to order, reciting the requisite procedural statement per the borough’s code.

Cannabis Businesses in Focus

The board discussed the progress of local cannabis businesses. Two retail cannabis stores, approved last year, are already operational, and a third is pending. Mayor Signorello also announced a new application period for cannabis manufacturing facilities.

From November 20 to December 20, the borough will accept applications for manufacturing buildings. These facilities will process raw cannabis products for industrial purposes, selling exclusively to retail dispensaries and not directly to consumers. However, no additional applications will be accepted until 2025.

Community Fatigue and Cannabis Concerns

Addressing the lack of public turnout, Mayor Signorello acknowledged the community’s apparent disinterest and fatigue with cannabis-related issues.

He pointed to the paradox of New Jersey voters overwhelmingly supporting marijuana legalization while many remain resistant to cannabis businesses in their communities.

Overcoming Stigma

The mayor touched on the lingering stigma surrounding marijuana use, comparing it to the societal acceptance of alcohol. “There’s a history and stigma behind marijuana; however, I have no problem with it,” Signorello remarked.

He expressed his belief that marijuana use in private homes poses fewer societal risks compared to alcohol, stating, “I’ve never seen people fight using it. But I’ve seen people fight when they’re drunk.”

Future of Cannabis in Roselle Park

As Roselle Park continues to navigate its cannabis policies, the meeting reflected the challenges of balancing economic opportunities with community concerns. The borough’s openness to cannabis manufacturing marks a new phase in its approach, but the lack of public engagement raises questions about the community’s long-term support.

Despite the controversies and challenges, Mayor Signorello remains supportive of cannabis legalization and its regulated use, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing times while addressing public concerns.

The brief meeting of the Roselle Park Cannabis Review Board may have lacked public participation, but it highlighted significant developments in the borough’s evolving cannabis policy. With new manufacturing applications underway and ongoing debates about local acceptance, the future of cannabis in Roselle Park remains a topic to watch.