
Chair Dianna Houenou discusses the work the NJ-CRC does to propel the cannabis market forward in the Garden State—and even what sets the NJ cannabis market apart from others.
Previous Blog Posts

Safe use, smart storage: Preventing cannabis poisoning with NJ Poison Control
09/5/2025
In this episode of High Points, Danielle Bartsche, MPH, BS, CHES, who focuses on epidemiology and community outreach for the New Jersey Poison Control Center, discusses how cannabis poisoning can affect adults, children, and pets, what symptoms to look out for, and what steps to take if an overdose is suspected. Danielle also highlights how New Jersey’s packaging requirements, consumer education, and the availability of Poison Control support are helping to reduce risks and promote responsible cannabis use.

New Jersey now has cannabis lounges
08/5/2025
New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act makes it clear where you shouldn’t light up and risk being a nuisance or health hazard for others. No smoking in indoor public spaces like restaurants, bars, or offices. No smoking in public parks, or on beaches. With all the spaces where you cannot smoke, cannabis users now have legal spaces to smoke cannabis socially outside their homes—cannabis consumption areas. Imagine meeting friends for happy hour, but at a dispensary’s cannabis lounge instead of your local bar, and without alcohol.

Local Control, Big Impact: Supporting Municipal Leaders in Cannabis Market Success
08/1/2025
Matthew Craig, director of government affairs at NJ-CRC, talks about his role in supporting municipal decision makers as they establish and facilitate safe and profitable local cannabis markets. He also explains the kind of control municipalities have over cannabis businesses in their towns and the benefits of municipalities opting in.