The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) approved two cannabis consumption lounges and heard significant industry and patient concerns.
Consumption Area Endorsements
CRC Acting Executive Director Christopher Riggs explained that Everest Dispensary in Atlantic City in South Jersey, and Molly Ann Farms dispensary in Haledon in North Jersey, won endorsements.
“Both of these applications are diversely owned businesses,” he added.
“The consumption area must be associated with a Class 5 Retailer License and be located on the Brick-and-Mortar premises…,” Riggs explained.
He noted they have municipal approvals.
The CRC approved them 3-0.
As soon as they open, their NJ cannabis consumption lounges will be more legal than any Amsterdam weed café ever was.
Industry Concerns Voiced
Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez of the Other Side Dispensary in Jersey City said she is in another war after being in the military during the public comment period.
“It’s collapsing beneath your eyes,” she declared about the industry.
Brevard-Rodriguez said many female and minority owners are in debt after opening, struggling to cope with astronomical fees, and are not seeing the demand they expected.
She was very critical of the CRC.
“Many of us are tired of the State patting itself on the back!” Brevard-Rodriguez exclaimed.
She was also critical of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) cannabis company grant process.
“This rollout was a disaster, and this equity push was a setup for failure,” Brevard-Rodriguez argued.
“Many of us are looking at generational debt,” she added. “…We need support… Everyone needs to work together…”
Lerone Jones of Mr. Jones dispensary wanted action on his dispensary license application and thanked Commissioner Krisa Nash for visiting his booth at the recent NECANN convention.
Expiration Date Concerns
Todd Johnson of the NJ Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) explained he represents several licensed companies.
“We have lower prices, increasing access, and responsible operation,” he noted. “However, uncertainty and delays in regulatory action are putting many operators at risk…”
Johnson was unhappy that they did not extend the expiration date of cannabis from about 6 months to a year at the last meeting.
He said they should be flexible while being mindful of consumer protection and the needs of business.
Johnson did not comment on the cannabis lab testing rules that have been delayed.
Testing Concerns
Integrated Analytical Solutions cannabis testing lab Director Jim Beasley noted Riggs brought up concerns about data on mold at the last meeting.
“These types of issues have been seen in multiple states…,” he explained.
“I respectfully urge the Commission to expedite its investigation and implement solutions. Because further delays only increase the risks to consumers and medical patients…” Beasley said.
“New Jersey does not yet have its own testing regulations, despite the adult use cannabis being legalized over three years ago. Instead, the State still relies on the old Maryland guidance from 2020…,” he noted.
“New Jersey deserves rules that reflect our own market needs…,” Beasley declared.
He said he wanted to collaborate more with the CRC.
Leading cannabis advocate Andrea Raible was also happy to have seen Nash at NECANN.
“We’ve heard from a number of people today that we need to streamline business interests, and we need to prioritize the economic, industry. But I appreciate that the CRC is the one branch in New Jersey right now that also has a commitment to prioritize patients,” she said.
“I appreciate the CRC’s caution when it comes to waivers when we don’t have adequate data. I appreciate that you’re taking the time to look into more data, like the potency and microbials, and hiring more staff with more expertise in those fields,” Raible said. “…Maybe we can extend shelf life safely if the data backs that.”
She also wanted to collaborate more.
At the end of public comment, CRC Chair Dianna Houenou thanked those who spoke.
Conversion to Annual NJ Cannabis License Winners
Riggs explained that the process to review the conversion of conditional license applications to annual license approvals needs to be opened. It is a lengthy process where an investigation is conducted into the company and its owners.
“We have 5…,” he noted.
There were 7 on their website initially. No mention was made of those taken off. So, the following were approved:
- Green Paradise Therapy, LLC Retailer Microbusiness
- Candid Dispensary Retailer Microbusiness
- Nurturing Leaves LLC Retailer Standard
- Green Vine LLC Retailer Standard
- Nibblers & Smokers LLC Delivery Microbusiness
The CRC approved them 3-0.
Annual Cannabis License Winners
Riggs noted there were 5 applicants who won annual licenses without first seeking a conditional license.
- Trikhoma Manufacturer Standard
- KDRJJI LLC Manufacturer Standard
- The Vault Dispensary Retailer Standard
- The Green Initiative Retailer Standard
- Blaze Green LLC Retailer Standard
The CRC approved them 3-0.
NJ Cannabis License Renewals
Riggs said 18 company NJ cannabis licenses were up for renewal around now, which is why it’s called annual:
- Mule Extracts LLC (1)
- Spot 23 LLC (1)
- Brute’s Roots (1)
- Eastern Green Dispensary Inc (1)
- Garfield Gardens Dispensary LLC (1)
- RIPT Dispensary LLC (1)
- Canopy Crossroad LLC (1)
- Mountain Dispensary (1)
- The Other Side Dispensary (1)
- Red Oak Dispensary LLC (1)
- Mule ReLeaf Cannabis (1)
- The Public Garden Inc (1)
- B Caf Dispensary (1)
- Bliss Co. (1)
- Jersey Extraction Lab (1)
- Main Street Dispensary (1)
The CRC approved them 3-0.
