Ocean County, NJ Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Cannabis dispensary zoning across Ocean County reflects the CREAMM Act's (N.J.S.A. 24:6I-45) municipal opt-out provision. Municipalities had until August 21, 2021 to prohibit one or more of the six cannabis license classes (cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, delivery). Towns that did not act affirmatively are presumed to permit all six but may still impose zoning. Many Ocean County municipalities opted out entirely: Toms River, Brick, Jackson, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Lakewood, Stafford, Long Beach Township all passed opt-out ordinances. Some allowed limited classes — Manchester permits cultivation/manufacturing in industrial zones but banned retail. Berkeley allows delivery only. Lacey permits multiple classes in designated commercial areas. Where dispensaries are permitted, state and local requirements include: conditional use permit under municipal zoning, 1,000-foot buffer from schools under N.J.S.A. 24:6I-49 (municipalities may shorten), security plan, NJ CRC licensing, and local business license. Operating hours typically restricted 9 AM to 10 PM. Signage must be conservative (no cartoon imagery, no neon). Ocean County's conservative stance differs from neighboring Atlantic County which has approved multiple retailers.