The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission seeks to establish and grow a responsible, regulated medicinal and recreational cannabis industry. By applying the values of safety and equity, the Commission will center its work around creating and protecting access for patients, the production of safe products, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry to develop a national model for sensible, fair oversight.
The Commission is committed to transparency and the public good. The agency operates under a Code of Ethics beyond the New Jersey Conflicts of Interest Law, the New Jersey Uniform Ethics Code, and the medicinal and adult-use cannabis statutes.
Chairs

Dianna Houenou
Chair

Sam Delgado
Vice Chair
Commissioners

Charles Barker
Commissioner

Maria Del Cid-Kosso
Commissioner

Krista G. Nash
Commissioner
Administrative Leadership

Christopher Riggs
Acting Executive Director

Dave Tuason
Chief Counsel

Wesley McWhite III
Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Paul Urbish
Director, Compliance and Investigations

Megan Tagliaferri
Director, Licensing

Toni-Anne Blake
Director, Communications
Committee Assignments
Commissioner Assigned: Chair Houenou (committee chair), Vice Chair Delgado
Committee Scope: Responsible for the review and monitoring of (1) the Commission's financial statements and the adequacy of its financial controls, (2) the results of any audit, and (3) compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements. The Audit Committee will also be responsible for, in coordination with the Executive Director, coordination, review, drafting, and approval of regular annual, biennial, and other statutorily required reports before submission for consideration by the Commission. The Audit Committee is also responsible for securing a study to be conducted by a public research university at the 3-year anniversary of the inaugural Commission public meeting to review the Commission's organization, activities, and effectiveness.
Commissioner Assigned: Commissioner Nash (committee co-chair), Commissioner Barker (committee co-chair)
Committee Scope: Responsible for reviewing and approving public awareness campaigns that require full consideration by the Commission. The Public Engagement and Education Committee will also organize public hearings required by statute to communicate with the public regarding recommendations for the appropriation of social equity excise fee revenues. It will also be the responsibility of the Public Engagement and Education Committee to review, assess, and make recommendations on the need for new research or investigation of the influence of cannabis on consumers driving ability, and methods to determine intoxication in consumers of cannabis.
Commissioner Assigned: Vice Chair Delago, Commissioner Nash
Committee Scope: Responsible for monitoring complaints from patients and consumers to identify trends or patterns in product safety concerns. The Product Safety, Packaging, and Labeling Committee will also be charged with reviewing packaging and labeling issues for medicinal and personal-use cannabis, and for periodically reviewing Commission regulations concerning product safety, packaging, and labeling and soliciting related recommendations from stakeholders.
Commissioner Assigned: Commissioner Del Cid-Kosso (committee chair), Chair Houenou
Committee Scope: Evaluate the regulations promulgated by the Commission for permitting and licensing of alternative treatment centers and cannabis businesses to ensure efficient licensing and permitting process for applicants. The Permitting/Licensing Committee will also review the numbers of licenses issued for each type of cannabis business to ensure the Commission is issuing an adequate number of licenses and permits to keep up with market demand.
Commissioner Assigned: Vice Chair Delgado, Commissioner Nash
Committee Scope: This Committee is charged with reviewing the Agency’s bylaws. By December 1, 2024, the Committee shall submit a report to the Board on the Committee’s review, including any recommended changes or updates to bylaws.
Commissioner Assigned: Chair Houenou, Vice Chair Delgado
Other Agencies: NJ Business Action Center, Governor's Office
Committee Scope: Identify existing public or private business development support services to offer applicants and license holders (assistance with forming new a business, business plan development, etc.). Establish systems to coordinate information sharing.
Commissioner Assigned: Commissioner Del Cid-Kosso, Commissioner Barker
Other Agencies: NJ Economic Development Authority, Governor's Office
Committee Scope: Identify any available federal or State agencies that can provide funding programs for cannabis businesses. Define parameters for the program (grants versus loans, award amounts, eligibility, etc.). Identify the proper entity(ies) to administer/oversee the program. Establish systems to coordinate information sharing.
Commissioner Assigned: Commissioner Nash
Other Agencies: Governor's Office, Department of Labor, Office of Secretary of Higher Education
Committee Scope: Identify any possible federal or State workforce development programs, as well as any federal or State requirements or restrictions for such programs, dealing with cannabis. Identify the proper entity(ies) to administer/oversee the program. Establish systems to coordinate information sharing.
Commissioner Assigned: Commissioner Nash, Commissioner Del Cid-Kosso
Committee Scope: Make recommend to the full Board on appropriations of monies deposited in the Underage Deterrence and Prevention Account consistent with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 24:6I-50(e).