Behind the green tape: Navigating NJ's cannabis market regulations

04/5/2024

NJ-CRC Chief Counsel Christopher Riggs discusses the regulations that underpin the NJ cannabis market and clinical registration licenses. 

Cannabis and Women's Health

03/25/2024

"Women's health" covers a myriad of physiological systems and bodily functions unique to their biology. Addressing women’s health means treating medical conditions and challenges unique to this half of the world’s population – like maternal mortality and the menopausal transition. Cannabis is increasingly being considered part of the women’s health and well-being arsenal by the medical community. While a federal ban makes broad scientific and medical research difficult, there is some indication of potential therapeutic benefits for women. Some of the medical conditions for which cannabis may be a beneficial part of treatment are on the list of qualifying conditions for the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program.

Point of difference: What sets the NJ market apart from others?

03/1/2024

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.

Seniors and Cannabis

02/26/2024

With more than 100 licensed dispensaries across the state, access to cannabis is easier than ever and many seniors are considering the benefits of cannabis products for their physical health and mental wellbeing. Some are new to cannabis use, others are longtime users, still others are returning to cannabis use after many years. No matter which group you fall in, it is essential for everyone to understand cannabis and cannabis products, and the cannabis landscape in New Jersey.

The NJ-CRC's Promise of Social Equity

02/2/2024

Wesley McWhite III, director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at NJ-CRC, delves into the crucial conversation about social equity in the cannabis industry and how the NJ-CRC works to create an equitable cannabis market in New Jersey.

An Update on Medicinal Cannabis in New Jersey

01/29/2024

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission recently reduced registration and renewal fees for the Medicinal Cannabis Program to just $10 for two years. In a few weeks, we will begin rolling out new digital Medicinal Cannabis Program patient cards. These changes prioritize accessibility and convenience for patients. We are taking these and other steps in our continued efforts to ensure the Medicinal Cannabis Program provides quality service for patients.  

2023 by the Numbers

12/14/2023

The New Jersey cannabis industry in 2023 has been transformed by regulatory changes that have paved the way for growth and expansion. The reduction of registration and renewal fees for medicinal cannabis patients and caregivers, the removal of restrictions on vertical integration, the expansion of edible cannabis products, and the elimination of the mandatory waiting period for new ATCs to enter the recreational market have all played crucial roles in shaping the growing industry.

Cannabis Smart. Cannabis Safe.

10/31/2023

As cannabis legalization continues to sweep across the United States, educating the public about responsible and safe use is essential. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) has embarked on a state-wide, year-long campaign focused on safeguarding the well-being of kids and adult users. The campaign, "Cannabis smart. Cannabis safe." launched in October and employs billboards on roadways across the state, posters, and digital advertising to promote cannabis safety. The ads are supported by the Safe Use page on the Commission's website.

Opening of Cannabis Business Classes

09/12/2023

Starting September 27th, 2023, the NJ-CRC will begin accepting applications for wholesale, manufacturing, and delivery cannabis business licenses. This is a fantastic opportunity for new cannabis entrepreneurs to enter the New Jersey market and expands the vertical integration opportunities for existing operators. The opening of the three classes rounds out the cannabis industry in the state.

The Effects of Cannabis on Children and Young Adults

07/24/2023

Some of the most severe consequences in the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s regulations are for licensed dispensaries that sell to non-patients under 21 years old. Both the CREAMM Act and the Commission’s regulations were written with protecting children as a high priority. Notably, penalties for providing minors with cannabis aren't just limited to licensed dispensaries. Adults who give cannabis to individuals under the legal age, or help them buy in any way, are also subject to these penalties.

Using Cannabis Safely

06/6/2023

While cannabis is legal in the state of New Jersey cannabis consumption is not safe for all New Jerseyans. For all users, understanding how formulations vary in potency and how potency affects the brain, and the body are important for safe and responsible consumption.

NJ-CRC by the Numbers

04/20/2023

April 12, 2023, marked the second anniversary of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Over the last two years, we’ve held dozens of public meetings, worked with the public to develop rules for adult-use cannabis business, increased the number of medicinal dispensaries and saw the first sale of recreational cannabis on April 21st, 2022. To commemorate our second anniversary, we are looking at NJ CRC by the Numbers.

Women Making History at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission

03/8/2023

Coming up on its second anniversary, NJ-CRC has processed just under 1,600 applications, with more than the CREAMM Act mandated 30% of licenses issued going to minorities, women, and disabled veterans.  Of those 1,600 processed applications, more than 400 are women-owned business. One of the latest medicinal cannabis dispensaries to open is a Black woman-owned company, located in Atco.Helping to shape the burgeoning New Jersey Cannabis industry are three women at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission -- Chairwoman Dianna Houenou, and Commissioners Krista Nash and Maria Del Cid-Kosso.

Cannabis Consumption Areas are Coming – Here’s What You Need to Know About the Proposed Rules

02/13/2023

Coming up on its second anniversary, NJ-CRC has processed just under 1,600 applications, with more than the CREAMM Act mandated 30% of licenses issued going to minorities, women, and disabled veterans.  Of those 1,600 processed applications, more than 400 are women-owned business. One of the latest medicinal cannabis dispensaries to open is a Black woman-owned company, located in Atco.Helping to shape the burgeoning New Jersey Cannabis industry are three women at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission -- Chairwoman, Dianna Houenou, and Commissioners Krista Nash and Maria Del Cid-Kosso.

Social Equity at the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission

01/30/2023

The war on drugs has disproportionally affected Black and Brown people and their neighborhoods. Even as cannabis legalization expands across the country, the ill effects are still evident. According to the ACLU, on average a Black person is 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than a white person, even though Black and white people use marijuana at similar rates. This disparity is why social equity is central to the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM Act), and to the application rules created by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.