A.
The State of New Jersey has determined that there exists a beneficial use for marijuana in treating or alleviating the pain or other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions and therefore has adopted the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, N.J.S.A. 24:61-1 et seq. (the "State Medical Marijuana Law"), which permits the production and dispensing of marijuana for medical purposes at "alternative treatment centers."
B.
The regulations adopted pursuant to the State Medical Marijuana Act by the Department of Health and Senior Services, specifically N.J.A.C. 8:64-6.2(a)4, require that the Department of Health and Senior Services evaluate applications for alternative treatment centers by a number of criteria, including "community support and participation."
C.
The regulations adopted pursuant to the State Medical Marijuana Law by the Department of Health and Senior Services, specifically N.J.A.C. 8:64-7.9(b), recognize that political subdivisions of New Jersey, including municipalities such as East Rutherford, have the authority to limit the number of alternative treatment centers that may operate in the municipality and may enact reasonable local ordinances applicable to alternative treatment centers.
D.
Notwithstanding the State Medical Marijuana Law, marijuana continues to be a controlled dangerous substance and therefore must be carefully controlled to avoid abuses.
E.
Therefore, through this chapter, the Borough exercises its authority under N.J.A.C. 8:64-7.9(b) to enact this chapter regulating alternative treatment centers.