You may recall that New Jersey voters approved legalizing marijuana back in 2020, and you’ve also most likely already know that cannabis (aka weed) can now be legally purchased in New Jersey starting Thursday, April 21st. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission has cleared seven ATCs that equal a total of 13 medical marijuana dispensaries statewide. At least a half-dozen medical marijuana dispensaries are planning to open their doors to all adults on April 21st including in Bloomfield, Maplewood, and Paterson. Plus – the commission gave conditional approval to 102 companies to grow or manufacture recreational cannabis. Here’s what you need to know about legalized marijuana in New Jersey.
The Details
Registered patients will be able to purchase up to 3.0 ounces of cannabis for medical use every 30 days. Now, recreational users can purchase up to 1.0 ounces per purchase starting this week.
You must be at least 21 years old to purchase recreational marijuana in New Jersey.
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Towns that permit cannabis businesses to operate may charge an extra 2 percent tax in addition to state taxes and surcharges, The New York Times reported. “The state has received more than 320 applications from start-up businesses hoping to open recreational cannabis retail shops throughout New Jersey. But decisions about those applications are not expected for at least another month, and it is likely to be a year or more before the stores would be ready to open.”
The state is anticipating revenue of $19 million in Governor Murphy’s $49 billion budget, which is currently pending in the state Legislature, The New York Post explained.
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“We promised to build this market on the pillars of social equity and safety. Ultimately, we hope to see businesses and a workforce that reflect the diversity of the state, and local communities that are positively impacted by this new and growing industry,” Commission Chair Dianna Houenou said in a statement.
“While I commend the CRC on opening the NJ cannabis market to allow for the recreational sale of cannabis and cannabis products throughout the State, we must all be cognizant of the fact that the companies granted the first round of approvals for recreational sales are existing medical ATC license holders, all of whom are multi-state operators. These are not the small, diversely owned businesses that were promised the opportunity to acquire licenses through legislation designed to promote social equity,” Rosemarie Moyeno Matos, Cannabis Attorney told HG.
“Since December 15, 2021, the CRC has received hundreds of applications for cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and retail licenses with only a fraction of those applications having received conditional license approval to date. I look forward to seeing the continued rollout of the recreational cannabis program and the opening of establishments that truly are reflective of the diversity of our state and the local communities in which these businesses propose to operate. Once they are licensed and operating, New Jersey will see more unique, exciting retail experiences for recreational consumers,” she continued.
Rosemarie Moyeno Matos is a local business and cannabis attorney based in Hoboken. She currently represents many clients applying for recreational licenses, including several in the Hudson County area. Her client, MEDUSA NJ LLC, recently received the first local approval for a recreational retail store with a consumption area in the State from the Jersey City Planning Board.
