The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) suspended the cannabis growing and manufacturing licenses of Jersey Strong/Mollitiam after their scandal last week and threatened and fined others.

Jersey Strong/ Mollitiam Growing, Manufacturing Licenses Suspended

Commissioner Amelia Mapp was recused from the debate to “due to a personal relationship.”

“Staff is recommending a summary suspension,” Acting Executive Director Christopher Riggs said.

He said a routine inspection found that Mollitiam was growing outdoors at a secret site and then moving it to the licensed location.

So, a hold was put on the license.

Riggs noted it affected many licensed products in NJ cannabis market greatly. He added they released the hold on manufactured products.

Riggs said many companies created distillate oil from their products.

“Everyone… was deceived…,” he declared.

“Our team demonstrating its commitment to public safety while working to minimize damage to the New Jersey cannabis market,” Riggs argued.

“Bad actors like Mollitiam should have their licenses suspended as staff continues to handle this…,” he added.

Riggs said their products were safe.

“This needs to be a wake-up call… the CRC is committed to safety… If things are too good to be true… the cannabis business should be reporting that…So we don’t end up in situations like this,” he argued.

They did not mention cannabis flower on hold.

“I move to summarily suspend Mollitiam,” Commissioner Harris Laufer said.

“When you know you’re not approved… and the efforts to discuss the material is egregious and will not go unchecked,” NJCRC Chair Dianna Houenou exclaimed.

“The Commission is responsible for holding both ourselves and businesses accountable,” she said.

No one is allowed to grow in an open field. Heady NJ saw a video where they were. A few have greenhouses.

It was approved 3-0 with Mapp recused and applause.

Public Comment on Jersey Strong/ Mollitiam Scandal

During the public comment period of Baked by the River dispensary CEO Jesse Marie Villars said for struggling businesses, having products on hold was difficult.

Patient advocate Andrea Raible was unhappy with the question of quality.

“What happens if these products can’t be put on shelves?… The scale… could have been disastrous…,” she said.

Raible was also unhappy about the questions regarding labs.

NJ CannaBusiness Association President Bill Caruso praised the NJCRC for their handling of the scandal.

NJ Cannalytics Lab License Threatened

Chief Counsel Dave Tuason said the licensed testing lab New Jerey Cannalytics has transported cannabis from NJ to Westminster, Maryland to perform testing.

“I will move to issue a 14-day suspension of the laboratory’s testing license,” Houenou said.

“So, the lab can complete additional Metrc training,” she said.

Houenou said if they complete it, then the 14-day suspension will not go into effect.

But she wanted to fine them $10,00 “for the gross negligence and inexcusable actions of taking cannabis across state lines.”

Houenou seemed to also want to suspend the license for six months.

“Would you be amenable to a 25,000 fine?” Laufer asked.

The NJCRC approved a motion 4-0.

OHM Theory Fined for Selling Expired Products

Tuason said OHM Theory sold expired products and didn’t conduct monthly inventory checks.

Mapp recommended they be fined $3,500 total for the different violations.

Commissioner Krista Nash wanted to mandate Metrc training on them.

“Good inclusion,” Laufer said.

Mapp wanted them to impose a 6-month timeframe.

Houenou said their Inspector said management had little knowledge of Metrc and their inventory was a mess.

They approved it 4-0.

High Rollers Dispensary/Lounge Fined

Tuason noted that High Rollers dispensary and lounge of Atlantic City had a penalty in December.

It was for selling soft drinks.

Nash said she wanted to rescind the resolution of a $4,000 fine and impose a $3,500 penalty.

It was approved 3-0 with Laufer abstaining since he only joined the CRC in January 2025.

CREAM Dispensary Fined

CREAM Dispensary failed to track inventory of its products in Metrc Tuason explained.

Mapp wanted to fine them $2,000.

Laufer wanted them to impose Metrc training.

“I can’t imagine it would hurt…,” Nash said.

MMD NJ Dispensary Paperwork Fine

MMD NJ dispensary in Jersey City, out of California, didn’t track products in Metrc and update their inventory, Tuason said.

Laufer asked if this was worse.

“It was failing to sync with that POS (Point Of Sale) system. I think it was similar,” Tuason said.

Nash wanted to fine them $2,000 for the two violations.

It was approved 4-0.

Hashery Fined for Visible Paraphernalia

Hashery was then fined for allowing cannabis paraphernalia to be visible from outside Tuason said.

Mapp wanted to fine them $500 for “keeping the doors open so product was visible.”

Toke Lane Ownership Change Fine

Toke Lane Dispensary was then fined for changing ownership without CRC approval

Mapp said the penalty should be $7,000.

Laufer wanted to fine them $10,000.

“They did it anyway,” Nash said.

“Any particular facts to lead you to … a $1000 is more appropriate?” Houenou asked.

“When you ask for permission, are told no, and do it any way I think the penalty should be stiffer,” Laufer said.

Houenou agreed.

B Caf Dispensary Fined

B Caf Dispensary was then fined for using unauthorized vehicles to complete deliveries. So, they were fined $5,000 which was approved 4-0.

Rush Budz Fined for Letting Worker Badge-less

Rush Budz Dispensary was issued a notice of violation for allowing someone to work before they had an official NJCRC badge.

“Didn’t the standard change?…” HL asked.

Riggs said it didn’t.

Mapp said they should fined $1,000 which was approved 4-0.

Undisclosed Settlements

Tuason explained that Green Analytics had issues that they did not specify. Garden Society also needed approval for an undisclosed settlement.

They were approved 4-0.