Roselle Mayor Breaks Tie on Lucky Buds Cannabis License

Union County Life is reporting that Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw cast the deciding vote to approve a cannabis manufacturing license for Lucky Buds, LLC. The council was tied 3 to 3 before the mayor voted. The vote took place at a Roselle Borough Council workshop meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 14, according to the council’s Oct. 16 post.

Shaw cast tiebreaking votes on three measures at that meeting. This article covers only the Lucky Buds measure. Lucky Buds will operate on West 1st Avenue in the 200 block of Roselle. The business received its annual license from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and the council’s post says it has complied with local ordinances and state law.

Council President Cindy Thomas, Councilwoman-at-Large Cynthia Johnson, and 5th Ward Councilwoman Rosetta McCamery voted against the measure.

Shaw explained his vote. “I think when you go through the process of filling out the application, nothing exempts you if you pass the planning board and pass the zoning board,” Shaw said. “That is almost lining yourself up for a lawsuit. [Lucky Buds] has every state qualification.” He noted that recreational marijuana is legal statewide and pointed to the 2020 ballot referendum, when 77% of Roselle voters supported legalizing recreational cannabis. “When cannabis was on the ballot, 77% of Roselle voters voted for us to have it,” Shaw said. “They went through the process.”

McCamery’s objection is rooted in her youth advocacy and community outreach work. She said she supports medical use of cannabis but not recreational use. “I don’t think having cannabis in their realm of access is a good look,” she told Roselle. She cited concerns about young people’s access to cannabis and its potential effects on their futures. “There are statistics that say that our kids don’t even mature psychologically or mentally until they are about 25 years old,” she noted. “I just don’t support it at all. If it’s not for medicinal purposes, if it is for recreation, I do not support it.”

The article does not give an opening date for Lucky Buds.

For more Roselle government, business, and local news, visit Union County Life at unioncountylife.com.

FAQ

Who cast the deciding vote on the Lucky Buds cannabis license?
Mayor Donald Shaw cast the tiebreaking vote after the council was tied 3 to 3 at its Oct. 14 workshop meeting.

Where will Lucky Buds operate?
Lucky Buds will operate on West 1st Avenue, in the 200 block of Roselle.

Which council members opposed the measure?
Council President Cindy Thomas, Councilwoman-at-Large Cynthia Johnson, and 5th Ward Councilwoman Rosetta McCamery voted against it.

Why did the mayor vote in favor?
Shaw said the business had completed the application process and met state requirements. He also pointed to the 2020 ballot referendum, in which 77% of Roselle voters supported legalizing recreational cannabis.