Toms River, NJ Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

The Mayor and Township Council adopted Chapter 234, Cannabis, on July 13, 2021 by Ordinance No. L. 2021, c. 16), which let municipalities either regulate or prohibit cannabis establishments, cannabis distributors, and cannabis delivery services within their borders. Under § 234-3A, all six classes of cannabis establishment created by the state act, cultivators, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and delivery services, are prohibited from establishing or operating throughout the Township of Toms River, and the ban reaches any part of the township that falls under the jurisdiction of an independent state authority, commission, agency, or instrumentality, notwithstanding any law to the contrary.

Section 234-3B carves out one exception: the prohibition does not apply to the delivery of cannabis items and related supplies by a licensed delivery service, so an out-of-town dispensary can still deliver into Toms River even though none may open a storefront here. The Township Council explained its reasoning in § 234-1H: given the uncertainty around the state act's effects, the council found a blanket prohibition against all classes of cannabis business necessary and in the best interest of residents' health, safety and welfare while the township studies the issue.

Section 234-6 assigns enforcement jointly to the Police Department and the Bureau of Property Maintenance. A. A. 40:69A-29 per § 234-5B, and § 234-5C makes each day a prohibited cannabis business operates a separate, cumulative violation.