The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) approved 112 NJ adult use cannabis licenses and reviewed fining TerrAscend again.
They awarded 40 conditional licenses, 52 conversions to annual licenses, and 20 annual applications were awarded.
“The Commission currently has a lot of applications that are in … inactive status just sitting. Businesses are not responding to our commission’s staff,” NJ-CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown noted.
He said 60 dispensaries are open in the combined New Jersey adult use and medical cannabis market.
“We also have several AU (adult use) only cultivators up and running as well as adult use only manufacturing cannabis,” Brown noted. “Production diversity is coming to this market.”
He explained they have approved 1259 conditional licenses, 157 conversions from conditional licenses, 112 annuals, and 60 expanded medical cannabis licenses.
“We continue to see more conditional license holders apply to convert. We’re inching toward 400 conditional conversion applications,” Brown declared.
Conditional NJ Adult Use Cannabis Licenses Awarded
“These have all scored sufficiently high,” he explained. “They’re recommended for approval.”
- Shaman’s Cure LLC Conditional Cultivator Micro
- Blaze Factory, LLC. Conditional Retailer Micro
- The Number Spot Inc Conditional Retailer Micro
- Cannabis Outlet LLC Conditional Cultivator Standard
- Cannabis Outlet LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- Premium Genetics Partners LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- Cannabis Outlet LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
- Impact Universe LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
- Nurturing Leaves LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
- Smoky City LLC Conditional Cultivator Micro
- Global Grown, Inc. Conditional Manufacturer Micro
- Smoky City LLC Conditional Manufacturer Micro
- IDAlistics, Inc Conditional Retailer Micro
- Puff Ganja LLC Conditional Retailer Micro
- Bud City LLC Conditional Cultivator Standard
- Chroma New Jersey LLC Conditional Cultivator Standard
- Mystic Botanical Farms, LLC Conditional Cultivator Standard
- Black Lilies LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- Chroma New Jersey LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- Green Knight Manufacturing LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- Highland Green Holdings LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- HZY Retail LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- NJ Extracts LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- Farmers NJ LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
- Green Vine LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
- Highland Green Holdings LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
- Good Bud LLC Conditional Retailer Micro
- AGJRA, LLC Conditional Cultivator Standard
- Fog Houze Conditional Retailer Standard
- JNB Prime LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
- Black Caesar LLC Conditional Retailer Micro
- Cold Stoned LLC Conditional Retailer Micro
- Green Wellness Haven LLC Conditional Retailer Micro
- trap trees Conditional Retailer Micro
- JNB Prime LLC Conditional Cultivator Standard
- JNB Prime LLC Conditional Manufacturer Standard
- Jungle Wiz LLC Conditional Retailer Micro
- Aspen Corner Office LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
- Luna Dispensary Inc Conditional Retailer Standard
- The Kush Reserve LLC Conditional Retailer Standard
The NJ-CRC approved them 4-0.
Commissioner Maria Del Cid was absent due to maternity leave.
NJ Cannabis License Conversions Awarded
“Credit to the applicants who have gone through this process stuck with it. Credit to our staff. We’ve really seen these conversions and annuals increase at these meetings, um, which is great to see. We want to get more businesses approved and operational,” Brown explained.
He noted they were thoroughly reviewed and recommended for approval.
- Kana Grove New Jersey LLC Conversion Cultivator Standard
- TGC New Jersey Conversion Cultivator Standard
- TGC New Jersey Conversion Manufacturer Standard
- Legacy to Lifted, LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Sea Grass NJ Conversion Retailer Standard
- The Jersey Joint Dispensary LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Achira Inc Conversion Cultivator Micro
- City Soleil LLC Conversion Cultivator Micro
- ABCO Garden State LLC Conversion Cultivator Standard
- Fresh Grow LLC Conversion Cultivator Standard
- Mojo Botanica LLC Conversion Cultivator Standard
- Sara’s Buds LLC Conversion Cultivator Standard
- Little Leaf Labs LLC Conversion Cultivator Micro
- Achira Inc Conversion Manufacturer Micro
- Creative Flavors by Esther LLC Conversion Manufacturer Standard
- GDBS Distributors LLC Conversion Manufacturer Standard
- Kushi Labs LLC Conversion Manufacturer Standard
- Mojo Botanica LLC Conversion Manufacturer Standard
- Sara’s Buds LLC Conversion Manufacturer Standard
- Cedar Fairmont Health Cultivators Conversion Manufacturer Micro
- Cannaboutique by Greenhouse LLC Conversion Retailer Micro
- CannaBoy Treehouse LLC Conversion Retailer Micro
- Jersey Meds Management LLC Conversion Retailer Micro
- The Cannabis Clubhouse, LLC Conversion Retailer Micro
- Treeotics LLC Conversion Retailer Micro
- Urge New Jersey LLC Conversion Retailer Micro
- 4Twenty Somewhere Conversion Retailer Standard
- 77 Main Street LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- BestBuds LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Cannis Dispensary LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- DOCANNA LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Flower & Flame LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Green Leaf Wellness Solutions LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Gynsyng LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Herbalicity LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Lifted Vision LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Local Modiv, LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- PPP Dispensary Conversion Retailer Standard
- Rootly LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Sweet Leaves LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- The Honorable Plant LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Uma Flowers Conversion Retailer Standard
- Roll Models LLC Conversion Retailer Micro
- Garden State Born LLC Conversion Cultivator Standard
- Glass Meadows Inc. Conversion Cultivator Standard
- Mollitiam NJ LLC Conversion Cultivator Standard
- Garden State Born LLC Conversion Manufacturer Standard
- Brotherly Bud Conversion Retailer Standard
- Pulse Manufacturing LLC Conversion Manufacturer Micro
- Dank Poet Dispensary Conversion Retailer Micro
- Wellness for Sale LLC Conversion Retailer Standard
- Genuine Grow LLC Conversion Cultivator Micro
- Cannabis NJ LLC Conversion Retailer Micro
The NJ-CRC approved them 4-0.
Annual License Awarded
“Annual applications went through the exact same process. They applied directly for an annual license instead of getting a conditional license first,” Brown said.
The following were reviewed:
- Legal Distribution LLC Annual Retailer Micro
- ENV Growers LLC Annual Cultivator Standard
- Valley Wellness LLC Annual Cultivator Standard
- ENV Growers LLC Annual Manufacturer Standard
- ZY Labs LLC Annual Manufacturer Standard
- Botera Union LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Green Flamingo Dispensary, LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Hashstoria NJ LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Higher Breed NJ LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- JHAK Retail LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Lotus EHT LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Perennial Group Corporation Annual Retailer Standard
- Sparkology Dispensary LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Sunrise Holdings 1 LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Zen Franklin LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Glass Meadows Inc. Annual Manufacturer Standard
- Floro Voorhees LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- MOM New Jersey LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- Anka Field LLC Annual Retailer Standard
- The Garden Cannabis Dispensary LLC Annual Retailer Standard
The NJ-CRC approved them 4-0.
TerrAscend Violates Medical Cannabis Rules Again
“This is related to a Notice of Violation (NOV) issued to TerrAscend New Jersey,” Brown explained.
He noted they were asking New Jersey medical cannabis patients to buy products off the adult use cannabis menu.
“TerrAscend submitted a corrective action plan. There was another violation after that happened,” Brown said.
“Aside from this instance, TerrAscend has been in compliance. I think there were five instances in that initial NOV. There’s one additional here,” he noted. “This would be a category 5. That would be a maximum penalty of… $10,000. We’re not recommending a fine.”
Liable for a 2nd Fine on 6th Violation
“Can you repeat the final recommendation?” Vice Chair Sam Delgado asked.
“We’re not recommending a fine on this instance. If the board decides to issue a fine, we recommend it be within that fining matrix,” Brown replied.
“A request was made for TerrAscend to provide training records for the staff at this particular facility in Lodi,” NJ-CRC Chair Dianna Houenou said. “Was any record provided?”
“They did provide signed documentation for employees at that location. They did provide what was requested,” Brown said.
“The investigators report his words strongly urged the Commission to consider sanctions. Taking that into account, why would you not recommend any type?” Commissioner Krista Nash asked.
“Our goal here is compliance. Since that initial round of activity, they’ve largely been compliant,” Brown replied.
“You said another violation occurred after TerrAscend submitted the correct action plan. Is that accurate?” Commissioner Charles Barker asked.
Brown said that after the initial round of problems, they have been better in his opinion.
“But did the complaint come in after the corrective plan was submitted?” he asked.
“No,” Brown replied.
“I would like to see those records. I understand the technology failed us in this instance,” Houenou noted.
The NJ-CRC tabled the matter to review the material 4-0.
Expanded Medical and Adult Use License Applications
Brown said a few medical cannabis company locations want to convert to New Jersey adult use cannabis sales.
They must submit municipal approval, a letter of intent to expand, certification they have enough cannabis to meet the needs of patients, and verification of Labor Peace Agreements, among others.
The following were reviewed:
- Bloc in Waretown.
- Garden State Botanicals in North Brunswick.
- Honeygrove South, Corp in Gloucester Township.
- GTI New Jersey in Hackettstown.
GTI also wants to move its manufacturing license location from Paterson in Passaic County to Hackettstown in Warren County.
The NJ-CRC approved all of them 3-0-1 with Barker abstaining.
Annual NJ Cannabis License Renewals
Brown said two testing lab licenses were renewed.
The testing lab New Jersey Cannalytics LLC in East Hanover was approved by the NJ-CRC 3-1, with Barker voting no.
Sriven Labs LLC in Bellmawr was approved by the NJ-CRC 3-1, with Barker voting no.
New Jersey Cannabis License Process Issues
“I want to encourage stakeholders to be active participants in removing barriers holding the industry back. Engage with your lawmakers and local officials about what changes you want to see,” Houenou said. “Help applicants be prepared for business ownership, connect business owners to financing options.”
“We’ve had nearly 100 businesses granted extensions from July through September,” she added.
Houenou explained nearly 650 conditional license extensions have been granted.
Town Problems Causing Biggest Delay in NJ Cannabis
“64 percent of those requesting extensions have cited municipal and local delays as a reason for needing extra time. Nearly 60 percent are also struggling with site control. Funding issues have decreased as a cited reason. It does still continue to be a problem,” she declared. “The delays are particularly prevalent in those municipalities that have a local cannabis advisory board of some sort or otherwise institute a very rigid sequential process.”
“I want to remind all our municipal partners there is no need to re-create the wheel. The CRC does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to investigations. Keep things as simple as possible,” Houenou urged.
She noted delays are costly and burdensome to New Jersey cannabis license applicants.
Houenou explained the process is especially hard since it is delaying “the businesses this law was designed to help.”
“If you are in need of an extension, go to our website,” she noted.
Houenou explained more annual licenses were awarded last year and needed to be re-examined.
“Make sure we are informed about what issues you are facing. Please request an extension as soon as possible,” she said.
“I’m pleasantly surprised to see that the… delays in requests due to funding is only at 19 percent,” Nash said.
She was interested in knowing how many were Social Equity businesses.
“Who is requesting these extensions?” Nash asked.
Houenou said she would work with the Office of Licensing on that.
“Our form only requests certain information,” she added.
NJ Cannabis Company Name Changes
Brown noted the name changes:
- Jersey Joints to Hudsonica.
- Alchemy Botanics to Aurum Botanics.
- Blue Violet Cannabis to Carry-on Cannabis.
- Genesis Technology II to G2 Dispensary.
- Simply Pure Downtown Trenton to Moja Life.
- CYOUR NJ to Niche.
- PEMAA to Roots Dispensary.
The NJ-CRC approved the name changes 4-0.
Public Engagement
Barker discussed their safe use campaign and efforts to deter youth consumption.
“The legacy market has existed far before the legal market. We know that people still respect and trust the legacy market. So, we want to educate the public even more about the regulated market,” he explained.
Barker noted many towns are against cannabis.
‘We hope that this campaign will iron out some of those concerns. And spark up a change, “he said.
“Some might roll their eyes at cannabis use and pregnancy. We have to reduce the stigma in both medical and adult use but particularly for mothers who may need to rely on cannabis instead of more highly addicted substances,” Nash explained.
She noted some dispensaries are delivering to discourage high driving.
Nash said edibles can be very strong for inexperienced cannabis consumers.
She noted how someone is likely to eat a lot of chocolate quickly, for example, without realizing how strong it is. This could create problems.
New Jersey Cannabis Worker ID Cards
NJ-CRC Chief Counsel Christopher Riggs noted every New Jersey cannabis employee needs an identification card from the NJ-CRC after being vetted. Ten individuals want to work in the industry and requested rehabilitation confirmation.
The NJ-CRC approved it 4-0.
“If anyone has evidence of wrongdoing against our reg entities, please report that to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Each complaint is to be taken seriously,” Houenou declared are the end of the meeting.
