The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) issued more than $25,000 in fines to different cannabis companies for a range of infractions.
Unfortunately, none of them went to large Mult-State Operators (MSOs).
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Hashery Dispensary Fined 20 Grand
Chief Counsel Dave Tuason explained that Hashery dispensary used an unapproved RV for advertisements and displayed cannabis paraphernalia openly.
“Hashery has been in front of the board a couple of times, right, Chief Counsel?” NJCRC Chair Harris Laufer* asked.
“Right,” Tuason said.
“We just don’t go out issue and violations willy nilly, correct?” Laufer asked.
Tuason said they often do site visits.
“Hashery has a total of 6 violations. I think the easiest way would be to assess an amount,” Laufer noted.
“I recommend we issue a $20,000 fine,” he added. “Seeing this is their 3rd time in front of the Board…”
Laufer cited security issues.
“I recognize advertising is something we should probably look at,” Vice Chair Jackie Ferraro said.
(Especially with Heady NJ to our 21-plus community of passionate consumers and small businesspeople!)
She said the number of violations was concerning.
“I think the $20,000 fine is fair,” Ferraro said. “We want to see operators thrive. But stay within the rules and regulations.”
The NJ-CRC approved it 4-0.
Grene Oasis Dispensary Fined
“None of us like to issue fines,” Laufer said. “Please listen to your compliance officer.”
Tuason explained Green Oasis failed to restrict dispensary access to authorized personnel and didn’t maintain records of all cannabis sales.
“One of the co-owners entered the premises, and it was a violation of security,” he claimed.
“It is incredibly important that product and security controls are there,” Laufer said. “I would move for a $1,000 fine.”The NJ-CRC approved it 4-0.
CREAM Dispensary Fined 5 Grand for Sales Issue
Tuason explained Cream dispensary had someone sell cannabis using another employee’s ID and did not check an ID to see if someone was 21.
“A co-owner used an employee’s login…,” Tuason said.
“This industry is built on selling direct to consumers… We’re not supposed to buy cannabis for other people…,” Laufer said. “…I consider these two offenses to be severe.”
Nash said they should fine them $5,000.
“It took a long, long time for us… to allow for adult-use. It wasn’t easy, by the way,” Ferraro said.
She seemed to endorse such rules.
“It compromises all of us,” Ferraro claimed.
The Nature of Jersey compromises everyone.
The NJ-CRC approved it 4-0.
