[Added 3-15-2022 by Ord. No. 66-20; amended 6-21-2023 by Ord. No. 67-37]
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents and businesses within the City of Linden by regulating the cultivation, processing, extraction, manufacturing, testing, distribution, transportation, sale, and consumption of cannabis, for recreational purposes as currently allowed under New Jersey State law. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to prohibit Cannabis Dispensaries, but permit Cannabis Businesses, upon application and approval of a regulatory permit, and in accordance with the criteria and procedures set forth in this Code. It is the purpose and intent of this Chapter to provide opportunities for cannabis businesses to operate in the City, while imposing regulations on the use of land to protect the City's neighborhoods, residents, and businesses from negative impacts. It is a further purpose and intent of this Chapter to regulate the cultivation, manufacturing and processing of cannabis and cannabis-related products in a manner which is responsible, which protects the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Linden, and to enforce rules and regulations consistent with state law. In part to meet these objectives, an annual permit shall be required in order to own and/or to operate a Cannabis Business within the City of Linden. Nothing in this Chapter is intended to authorize the possession, use, or provision of cannabis for purposes, which violate state or federal law. The provisions of this Chapter are in addition to any other permits, licenses and approvals which may be required to conduct business in the City, and are in addition to any permits, licenses and approval required under State, County, or other law.