The Jersey City Cannabis Control Board (CCB) revoked approval for three unopened dispensaries while reviewing the status of approved cannabis companies.

Revoking Approvals for Unopened Dispensaries

Commerce Department Supervising Clerk Marquiea Starks explained that the White Lotus dispensary applicants couldn’t make the meeting. They’re almost out of funds and want to move their property and didn’t fill out forms properly.

“What is the Board’s pleasure? Board attorney Ron Mondello asked.

“This board…. can recommend the City Council revoke their resolution,” he said.

“…She said they don’t want to do it,” Commissioner Arnold Stovell noted.

“That they couldn’t explain that is concerning,” Commissioner Daniela Pepe said. “They’re almost out of funds.”

“It’s definitely not a good look they’re up in the air if they’re not here,” Mondello said.

Commissioner Robert Napiorski explained they shared a wall with the now-open Hamm and Chaz dispensary, which noted their issues to the CCB.

Acting Chair Patrick Patel said they should pull their resolution.

“It’s gotta be done,” Stovell said.

Their approval was revoked 4-0 with CCB Chair Jeff Kaplowitz absent.

Stovell noted that the Capital Virtues dispensary applicant they don’t want to continue either.

It was pulled 4-0.

Mondello noted their resolution will suggest the City Council revoke its resolution of support.

Butler and Baldwin, owned by former Council President Joyce Watterman’s daughter, was considered next.

“The operator has paused,” Mondello noted.

“They plan to sell the property and license,” he added. “They did not fill out the status report….”

“I would move to pull the support,” Patel said.

“Especially if they were not even able to fill out the status form and come before us,” Napiorski argued.

It was revoked 4-0.

There have been growing concerns about the many dispensaries open in Jersey City by the public.

Potential Cultivator Glue Lagoon Status Review

The status of the cultivation applicant Glue Lagoon was also reviewed.

“You no longer have site control… What’s going on?” Mondello asked.

“I was unaware he was going to tell you that. We’ve been working with him….,” Glue Lagoon CEO Eli Terry said.

“We’ve been doing everything diligently to get a new letter from him. We just need a little bit of time…,” Terry said. “He’s away, so I haven’t been able to get the letter.”

“Judgment of eviction, what was that for?” Patel asked.

“I didn’t make sense for that short of a lease to do a buildout,” Terry noted. “We both figured we’d pause that.”

Mondello said they had a lease beginning in 2023 slated to end December 2026.

Terry said they wanted more than a 3-year lease if they were going to spend so much money building their facility.

“How much time do you need to fix this problem?” Mondello asked.

“Sixty to 90 days,” Terry replied.

“We need something from the landlord… Perhaps the Board should consider a short adjournment,” Mondello said.

“Ok,” Terry said.

“Is the delay with signing the lease due to the funding?” Pepe asked.

Terry said his investor wants a longer lease if they’re going to spend a lot.

“I would move to give him 60 days,” Patel said.

Commerce Director Maynard Woodson said another applicant wanted the address, but it was rescinded. He also noted the cap on 3 growers was reached, while others want approval.

“Whatever you need to do, get it done,” Stovell said.

The CCB approved the extension 4-0.

Cream Dispensary Reviewed

The downtown Cream dispensary was considered next for renewal and a consumption lounge.

“There was a court-appointed trustee who indicated he would be here,” Mondello noted. “…Why was a financial trustee appointed by the court?”

Cream co-owner Jan Badenhorst explained they’ve had an internal dispute.

Mondello said that in August 2024, their dispute became public through court records.

“We have had internal issues. We are family at the end of the day,” Badenhorst said. “…The litigation is ongoing.”

Pepe asked about their violations. One was age verification.

“Inventory was a little off,” Badenhorst said. “We were missing some tags.”

“Are you guys intending to work together even after all the legal stuff…?” Stovell asked.

“It helped us resolve quite frankly some issues,” Badenhorst argued.

Potential Downtown Jersey City Cream Lounge

“Tell us about this consumption lounge,” Mondello said.

“It’s an outdoor consumption lounge. It’s in the back courtyard. It is in a joint property with our neighbor,” Badenhorst explained.

“Does the ordinance require them to control the smells as well?” Stovell asked.

“The odor is not supposed to leave the property,” Mondello said.

“The plan is to install wall-mounted fans,” Badenhorst replied.

Mondello noted there is no separate entrance and exit, which could be a problem.

In addition, he noted the city has limited lounges to one for each ward of the city and didn’t want to hold it up for others.

“Are you going to be able to get along?” Stovell asked.

Mondello noted they were not mandated to notice residents who might be unhappy about smelling cannabis from their balconies.

“That’s why they’re on the balcony,” Stovell joked.

“Most of them are our customers,” Badenhorst argued.

Stovell wanted them to demonstrate community support.

“You have a new court date…?” Patel asked.

Caracciola said they were given 45 days to resolve it.

“I’ll reach out to the financial trustee and ask for a report,” he added.

So, Cream’s city dispensary license was approved 4-0, while their lounge application was carried for 60 days 4-0.

Dispensary Renewals

In addition, Benedict’s Supply, Legacy to Lifted dispensary, Uforia, Jersey Dispensary/Can XA, and Lady L received renewed approvals to continue operating.

The downtown Bay St Greenery noted they want to change the name to Authorized Dealer to associate with a chain, and were approved as well.