Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Four Years of Growth...and the Work Continues
05/13/2025
In April, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) turned four years old and with that, we reflect on how far the state’s cannabis industry has come. Born out of a vision for safe, equitable, and responsible cannabis regulation, the NJ-CRC was established to bring structure and integrity to an industry that once operated in the shadows. While there is much to be done in New Jersey's market, the NJ-CRC is emerging as a national model for how to build a legitimate and inclusive cannabis marketplace from the ground up.
Read More About Four Years of Growth...and the Work Continues posted on 05/13/2025 >
Cannabis Testing Guidelines and How to Read a Certificate of Analysis
03/4/2025
Testing ensures that cannabis products sold in licensed dispensaries meet the state’s health, safety, and labeling standards. Licensed laboratories must test all legal cannabis in New Jersey for potency (such as THC levels) and to check for harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and bacteria. Consumers can verify the safety and quality of their products by reviewing the Certificate of Analysis (COA) available for every tested product.
Growth, Equity, and Impact: NJ-CRC 2024 Year in Review
01/7/2025
As we begin 2025, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) is proud to reflect on 2024, a year marked by growth, equity and impact. From expanding public outreach to increasing access of information to continuing to emphasize our safe-use messaging, we’ve taken significant steps to ensure the state’s cannabis market remains equitable, transparent, and thriving. 2024 brought pivotal changes in leadership, new initiatives that strengthen community and industry ties, and a continued focus on compliance and enforcement. Join us as we take a look back at the milestones that defined the past year and share our vision for what’s ahead in New Jersey’s cannabis industry.
What Could 2% Do For Your Municipality?
11/14/2024
As New Jersey’s cannabis industry continues to expand, municipalities have the unique opportunity to shape how cannabis businesses operate within their communities – and how their towns can benefit from the resulting additional tax revenue. Under the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA), municipalities have the choice to “opt in” to allowing cannabis businesses in their jurisdiction and taxing those businesses up to 2% on sales. The legislation allows municipalities to tap into potential economic benefits while retaining control over how and which cannabis businesses operate in their communities.
Latest News
Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF)
10/28/2024
The Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) is a mandatory fee imposed by the NJ-CRC on cannabis cultivators, established under N.J.S.A. 17:30-3.4 of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA) and in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:47F-1. The SEEF is collected from cannabis cultivators in New Jersey, based on the quantity of cannabis produced. The rate of the fee was initially set at $1.10 per ounce of cannabis and was adjusted to $1.52 per ounce in 2023. Currently, it stands at $1.24 per ounce.
Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Medicinal Cannabis
09/30/2024
Likely, you have at least heard about the medicinal applications for cannabis compounds THC and CBD. For decades, cannabis users have asserted the plant’s ability to treat conditions like nausea, pain, eating disorders, insomnia, stress, and others. In more recent years and despite federal prohibition, there have been some scientific studies to test those claims of two chemical components of cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have the psychoactive properties of THC. Some of that research indicate both THC and CBD can be helpful in treating a variety of ailments including chronic pain, insomnia, movement disorders (like Tourette’s) anxiety, stress, and the side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments. Could weed be right for you and your conditions? Your healthcare provider should be your first step in answering that question.
5 Reasons to Wait to Bake
08/30/2024
The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use reported that in 2022, 1.2 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 and 1.2 million young adults aged 18 to 25 tried cannabis for the first time. While some people consider cannabis and its main psychoactive component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), to be relatively safe, research indicates use during adolescence or early adulthood can have severe and lasting effects on brain development, cognitive function, emotional well-being, academic performance, and overall health. Here are '5 Reasons to Wait to Bake.'
Guardians of green: Ensuring a safe, compliant cannabis industry in NJ
08/2/2024
Learn about the core of the cannabis industry in New Jersey as we peel back the curtain on the NJ-CRC's Office of Compliance & Investigations. Director of Compliance & Investigations Paul Urbish uncovers the agency's dynamic inner workings that guarantee a secure and compliant cannabis industry.
NJ Clean Energy and the Cannabis Industry
07/31/2024
New Jersey is establishing itself as a leader in the clean energy sector by offering programs that help those within New Jersey save energy, money, and the environment. For those looking to venture into the cannabis industry, particularly as Class 1 Cultivators or Class 2 Manufacturers, the state's position on clean energy can offer substantial benefits.
Cannabis Licensing: Navigating from Application to Completeness in the Garden State
07/5/2024
Join us as we navigate with NJ-CRC Director of Licensing Megan Tagliaferri the entire cannabis business licensing process and intricacies—from the application timeframe and review process to understanding the various application priorities to decoding the review for completeness.
National Safety Month -- Using cannabis safely
06/24/2024
June is National Safety Month and at the NJ-CRC, cannabis safety is always a hot topic. With just a few days left to go in the month, here are some reminders for protecting yourself and others from possible adverse reactions caused by cannabis consumption.
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Grandes éxitos: Celebrando tres años de NJ-CRC y dos años de ventas de canabis recreativo
06/6/2024
Maria Del Cid-Kosso, comisionada de la junta directiva de NJ-CRC, analiza el estado actual de la industria del canabis en Nueva Jersey y celebra el tercer aniversario de NJ-CRC en el primer episodio en español de High Points.
Cannabis and Anxiety
05/20/2024
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and according to the World Health Organization, anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide. As cannabis has increasingly gained recognition as a treatment option for various forms of anxiety, it is a qualifying medical condition for New Jersey’s Medicinal Cannabis Program – as is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While the federal ban on cannabis currently restricts scientific and medical research, there are some studies that indicate potential benefits for those living with anxiety disorders are promising.
Roots of green: Chronicles of the pre-NJ-CRC era of the NJ cannabis market
05/3/2024
Learn about the history of the New Jersey cannabis market prior to the start of the NJ-CRC, shared from the perspective of Executive Director Jeff Brown.
Celebrating three years of growth and equity in NJ cannabis
04/22/2024
April marks the third anniversary of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) - a good time to take stock of the progress New Jersey’s cannabis market has made. The milestone coincides with the second anniversary of recreational sales, and the exponential growth of the industry is a testament to the collective efforts of ambitious and driven entrepreneurs, keen stakeholders, an engaged public, and dedicated employees at the NJ-CRC. These twin anniversaries are an opportunity to recognize their invaluable contributions and the evolution of New Jersey's cannabis industry.
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.