We, the undersigned residents, taxpayers, and stakeholders of the Borough of Haledon, respectfully submit this petition requesting an amendment to the municipal cannabis ordinance that currently permits two (2) retail cannabis dispensaries within the Borough.

In the interest of protecting community character, ensuring public safety, and maintaining a balanced approach to cannabis legalization, we urge the Borough Council to limit the number of licensed retail cannabis establishments to one (1)within Borough limits. Specifically revising: 

Chapter 405, Article X – Cannabis Establishments subsection 405-68 Licensing C. Maximum number of licenses. 

“The Borough may issue a maximum of one (1) Class I, one (1) Class II, and two (2) Class III (retailer) licenses.”

Reasons for the Petition:

Community Character & Safety:
Haledon is a small, close-knit community. Two dispensaries may oversaturate the retail cannabis market and alter the balance of our business districts.
A single dispensary is sufficient to meet local consumer demand without disproportionately concentrating cannabis sales in the Borough.

Traffic & Congestion:

Cannabis retail establishments bring increased traffic, deliveries, and parking demand. Limiting the number to one dispensary will help reduce congestion on Haledon Avenue and nearby residential streets.

Youth & Sensitive Uses
Despite state regulation, community members remain concerned about proximity to daycares, schools, and youth facilities. Limiting the number of dispensaries reduces the likelihood of future conflicts and zoning disputes, which Haledon has already seen enough of.

Consistency with Neighboring Municipalities
Many surrounding towns have either opted out entirely or limited cannabis businesses to a single retail license. Aligning Haledon with these practices ensures a regional balance that is so desperately needed across the state of NJ.

Stronger Oversight & Enforcement
With one dispensary, the Borough can better focus its enforcement, oversight, and compliance resources. This ensures that the permitted establishment operates with maximum transparency, safety, and accountability.

Cannabis Retail Sales Expectations
The NJ regulated cannabis market has not met consumer expectations. Prices in legal dispensaries remain significantly higher than in the legacy market.
Many residents, including medical patients and adult consumers, continue to turn to the legacy market due to affordability and familiarity.
Expanding to two dispensaries does not guarantee improved consumer trust or competitive pricing. In fact, adding multiple retailers in a small town could overinflate supply without addressing the underlying issue of consumer confidence.
A single, well-regulated dispensary allows Haledon to carefully evaluate whether local residents are truly benefiting from retail cannabis access before expanding further.

Requested Action:

We respectfully request that the Borough Council introduce and adopt an ordinance amendment with the following effect:

Section [405-68 Licensing C. Maximum number of licenses.] shall be amended to reduce the maximum number of permitted Cannabis Retailer Licenses within the Borough of Haledon from two (2) Class III Retailers to one (1).
This amendment should apply prospectively to any unissued or pending municipal cannabis retail permits.

We recognize the role of cannabis legalization in New Jersey and support safe, responsible access to adult-use cannabis. However, we believe that one dispensary is sufficient for Haledon’s size, needs, and resources. Given high retail prices, consumer reliance on the legacy market, and lack of faith in the regulated industry, limiting the Borough to one retail dispensary ensures a cautious, balanced, and community-centered approach.

We thank the Mayor and Council for their service and respectfully request your prompt attention to this matter.

 Respectfully submitted,
The Residents of Haledon