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Economy

Hoboken Pot Sellers Are So Eager to Open, They Will Pay for Cops

Community pacts with legal marijuana retailers around the U.S. are providing money for food pantries, landscaping and traffic improvements.

In New Jersey, Hoboken is racing to become first in the New York City area with adult-use recreational weed.
In New Jersey, Hoboken is racing to become first in the New York City area with adult-use recreational weed.Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg
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Moments before two marijuana retailers got permission to set up legal sales in Hoboken, New Jersey, the city had a request: Would the new operators be willing to cover the costs of two police officers?

The applicants agreed — and said yes to other asks, including cash for affordable housing and the community food pantry. The sweeteners total at least $300,000 annually for Hoboken, a square-mile city one train stop from Manhattan.