The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) approved Xena dispensary to operate a cannabis consumption lounge at a special meeting.
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Xena Dispensary Consumption Lounge Approved
Xena dispensary of Jersey City in McGinley Square was up for getting its consumption lounge approved.
Acting Executive Director Christopher Riggs noted that the dispensary has been open for some time.
(Picture above taken at Xena Grand Opening in the space when the Lounge was not operational and consumption was not permitted.)
“We are recommending they be approved to operate a consumption lounge out of their retail establishment,” he said.
“Count me in,” NJCRC Vice Chair Jackie Ferraro said during the vote.
The NJCRC approved it 4-0.
The Jersey City Cannabis Consumption Board and City Council already approved their lounge, so they were able to seek approval from the NJCRC on the state level.
Xena would be the 1st cannabis lounge in Hudson County and the second one in North Jersey after Urb’n in Newark, and the 5th overall in New Jersey after High Rollers and Sunnytien in Atlantic City and Gynsyng in Merchantville in South Jersey.
Owner Haytham Elgawly is a local Egyptian American underground legacy to a legal serial entrepreneur who previously operated a clothing store in the space.
Conversion to Annual NJ Cannabis License Winners
Riggs explained that two companies were up for converting from a conditional license to the annual NJ cannabis license needed to open legally.
“We are recommending that both of these applications be approved by the board today,” he said.
- GreenCoast Dispensary LLC Retailer Standard
- LT Retail LLC Retailer Standard
The NJCRC approved them 4-0.
Annual NJ Cannabis License Winners
Riggs explained that 4 companies wanted an annual license and did not go through the conditional license process.
- Blue Harvest LLC Manufacturer Microbusiness
- Emsky NJ Manufacturer Standard
- OT Manufacturing, LLC Manufacturer Standard
- Friendly Greens LLC Retailer Standard
GTI Rise Paramus Gets OK to Begin Adult-use Cannabis Sales
Riggs explained that the Multi-State Operator (MSO) Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) GTI Rise location in Paramus, in Bergen County, was up for approval to begin adult-use cannabis sales.
He said they have enough product to continue medical cannabis sales as well:
- GTI New Jersey LLC 145 W State Route 4 Unit 2 Paramus, NJ 07652 Class 5 Cannabis Retailer
The NJCRC approved it 4-0.
This happened because a bill allowing existing medical dispensaries to convert to adult-use cannabis sales without town approval, along with large hemp bottles, was passed and signed into law by Governor Mikie Sherrill (D) with little fanfare.
Only a few medical dispensaries operate in towns that don’t allow adult-use cannabis sales.
There is widespread resentment in the NJ cannabis industry against Home Rule, which leads towns to have great autonomy.
Licensed Cannabis Business Ownership Changes
Riggs explained there were ownership changes for several companies up for a vote:
- Clone Cannabis LLC
- Cookies Harrison LLC
- Everest Dispensary LLC
- Loud Labs NJ LLC
- Organic Green Buds LLC
- The Good Supply Co. Victory Gardens LLC
- Emerald Tea Supply Company
- Jersey Smooth LLC
- Public Absecon Inc
- Stone Hill Manufacturing LLC
The NJCRC approved them 4-0.
Canna Verde Dispensary was considered separately, with Commissioner Amelia Mapp recused “due to an ongoing professional relationship.”
Riggs said they completed their paperwork properly.
It was approved 3-0.
Happy Leaf Micro Business Conversion
Riggs said the micro business Happy Leaf LLC has been operational for a year.
It is a dispensary in Somerdale in South Jersey.
“We are recommending they be approved to convert to a stand cannabis business today,” he said.
“We love to see microbusinesses converting to standard businesses. This is exactly how uh, the marketplace was designed. So, congratulations to Happy Leaf!” NJ-CRC Chair Harris Laufer declared.
It was approved 4-0.
Microbusinesses were supposed to be easier to open for cannabis entrepreneurs of modest means. However, towns and consultants often charged them just as much for services as they did MSOs, which made it difficult for many to open.
