Earlier this month, the citizens of New Jersey voted in favor of the legalization of marijuana. An approximate 70% of Summit voters agreed with legalization. The Summit Common Council is seeking to pass an ordinance to prohibit the sale and distribution of marijuana. This ordinance seeks to not allow any dispensaries in the town of Summit. By doing so, Summit would forego the opportunity to gain a 2% tax on what is sold. This tax, while seeming small, could fund many programs, especially one that helps the marginalized communities in Summit. Additionally, it would lose the potential business that would come from neighbouring towns visiting Summit. There are many empty windows and buildings throughout our community. This could be a solution to bring about a new market and new life into our town. 

The idea that people can just "go to another town" or "drive to Rt.22'' disenfranchises the people who do not have access to a car or cannot afford to go out of their way. Summit's community should serve its citizens and having accessible ways to obtain a legal substance is one of them. The Summit Common Council should not put an ordinance that limits the market and prevents the growth of a potential new industry.