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Mastering NJ’s Cannabis Retail Industry: Key Regulations

August 25, 2023

Explore New Jersey’s retail cannabis legal framework, focusing on licensing, operational requirements, security measures, and microbusiness opportunities in the state.

On April 21, 2022, New Jersey marked a significant milestone by legalizing adult-use cannabis sales. This move allowed individuals aged 21 and older to legally consume cannabis in the state. Here’s an explanation of the laws governing the cannabis retail industry in New Jersey, for both existing medical dispensaries and newly licensed recreational use shops.

Legalization Details

Age Restrictions: Starting from April 21, 2022, adult-use cannabis has been legalized for purchase by anyone 21 years old or older in New Jersey.
Sales Tax: While medical cannabis is now exempt from New Jersey sales tax, recreational cannabis is subject to a 6.625% sales tax, plus an additional social equity excise fee of 1/3 of 1%.

Regulation and Compliance

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) has been given the responsibility of overseeing and regulating the legal cannabis industry in the state. Compliance with the laws requires the following measures:

Odor Control: Dispensaries must adopt measures to prevent odors from escaping the premises of a retail cannabis location.
Prohibited Sales: Sales of food, beverages, alcohol, or tobacco by dispensaries are strictly prohibited.
Operational Manuals: Cannabis businesses in New Jersey are required to develop, implement, and maintain an operational manual, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
Business Protection: Dispensaries must also take the proper steps to ensure that their business is adequately protected.

Licensing Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and ATCs in New Jersey

The state of New Jersey has specific procedures and requirements for obtaining a license for a medical marijuana dispensary or Alternative Treatment Center (ATC). Here’s what you need to know:

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Application Process:

Applications are evaluated by the commission, assigning point values to different criteria within the operating plan.
Bonus points are assigned to New Jersey residents.
The commission’s approval is necessary for a license.

Operating Plan Requirements:

State-authorized dispensation of medical cannabis.
Healthcare and medical treatment details for qualifying patients.
Procedures for product evaluation, recall plans, packaging, labeling, inventory control, and point-of-sale software.
Patient counseling procedures.
Details about the administration, strains, varieties, and profiles of medical cannabis.
Odor mitigation practices, onsite and offsite recordkeeping.
Compliance with privacy rules, waste disposal plans, and applicable marijuana laws.

Additional Consideration Factors:

Environmental impact, safety and security plans, business experience.
Proposed location, community impact, social responsibility, and research statement.
Workforce and job creation plan, business and financial plans, medical advisory board composition.
Partnership intentions with prisoner reentry programs.

Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs)

For Existing ATCs:

Those awarded licenses prior to 2019 RFA must be vertically integrated.

For Expansion:

A full application is not required for expansion.
Submission requirements include a letter of intent, municipal approval, certifications for sufficient quantities of cannabis, and no operational changes that reduce access.
Details about owners, principals, contractors, financial sources, vendors, and the cultivation, manufacturing, retailing, wholesaling, distribution, or delivery of cannabis items.
An attestation from a bona fide labor organization for a labor peace agreement.

Licensing Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries in New Jersey

Recreational cannabis licensing in New Jersey offers several options, including annual licenses, conditional licenses, or microbusiness licenses. Here’s an overview of the licensing process:

Conditional Licensing

Qualifications:

Compliance with criminal history background check requirements by all relevant individuals.
Absence of disqualifying convictions without evidence of rehabilitation.
At least one owner must have resided in New Jersey for two years as of the application date.
Adjusted gross income limits: no more than $200,000 individually or $400,000 if filing jointly.
Eligibility of owners and principals.

Application Process:

Details of business location, tax identification numbers, legal entity information.
Business plan, management profile, liability insurance plan, regulatory compliance.
Authorization to release information, waivers of liability, applicable fees.
Detailed lists of owners, principals, employees, contractors, financial sources, and vendor-contractors.
Personal and entity disclosure forms, proof of income limits, ownership interest certification.
Evidence and certifications for diversely owned business, impact zone business, social equity business.
Proof of residency for microbusiness applicants.

Requirements and Phases:

Conditional licenses cannot be renewed but may be extended or revoked.
The phase lasts 120 days or until replaced with an annual license or the end of an extension.
Applicants may apply for a 45-day extension on a case-by-case basis.
During this phase, control must be established over the site, municipal approval gained, and conversion application developed.
Restrictions on activities such as purchasing, possessing, selling, cultivating, or manufacturing cannabis.
Regulations on ownership interest and ability to add or transfer ownership to qualified parties.

Conditional Cannabis Business Conversion Application:

Description of the proposed location and surrounding area, including mailing address, suitability, and floor plans.
Compliance with local codes and ordinances, distance from religious worship places, schools, parks, or daycare facilities, zoning approval, and local support.
Documentation of premises control, environmental impact, safety and security plans.
Community impact, social responsibility, workforce development, and job creation plans.
Standard operating procedures for various aspects, including reporting, quality control, recall, packaging, labeling, inventory, waste disposal, cultivation, sales, transport, and accounting.
Attestation for labor peace agreements (exempted for microbusinesses).

Microbusinesses in New Jersey: An Overview

In New Jersey, a “microbusiness” license offers a unique opportunity within the cannabis industry. Defined by its smaller scale, it differentiates from standard cannabis businesses in terms of operational size, product capacity, and quantity.

Unlike larger enterprises, there is no cap on the number of microbusinesses that can be authorized to operate in the cannabis field. This allowance provides a broad opportunity for entrepreneurs and local residents to partake in the growing industry.

To qualify and function as a microbusiness cannabis retailer in New Jersey, the following requirements must be met:

Fees: The application, renewal, or other standard license fees are cut by 50 percent for microbusinesses.
Ownership: 100% ownership must be held by a New Jersey resident who has resided in the state for at least the past two consecutive years.
Local Employment: At least 51 percent of the microbusiness’s total employees must be residents of either the municipality where the business will be located or a municipality directly bordering it at the time of the application.
Employee Limit: No more than 10 employees can be employed at one time.
Facility Size: The entire microbusiness facility must occupy no more than 2,500 square feet.
Sales Cap: The sale of usable cannabis must not exceed 1,000 pounds per month.

It’s also worth noting that microbusinesses are exempt from requiring an attestation signed by a bona fide labor organization, stating that the license applicant has entered into a labor peace agreement.

The microbusiness model offers a pathway for local entrepreneurs to contribute to New Jersey’s cannabis industry without the overwhelming financial burden or size of standard cannabis businesses. By setting specific criteria for operation, New Jersey ensures a controlled yet accessible entry into this growing market.

Annual Cannabis Business Application in New Jersey

The process for obtaining an annual cannabis business license in New Jersey is comprehensive. Applicants must submit a separate application for each business license and physical address. Here’s a detailed overview of what the application must include:

General Requirements:

Federal and State Tax Identification Numbers
Business Documentation: Valid Registration Certificate and entity formation documents.
Nonprofit Status: If applicable, relevant federal or state documents.
Premises Information: A detailed description, zoning approval, proof of local support, and control documentation.
Landlord Certification: If leasing the location.
Insurance, Operational, Business, Environmental, Safety & Security Plans
Community and Workforce Plans: Including an optional diversity plan.
Standard Operating Procedures: Covering areas like quality control, waste disposal, inventory, cultivation, and more.
Labor Peace Agreement: A signed attestation.
Affidavit & Authorization: A sworn statement and release authorization signed by the license holder.
Liability Waiver
Retail Restrictions: Cannot operate on premises that engage in retail food or alcoholic beverage sales.

Additional Requirements for Annual License Applicants:

Organizational Information: Including charts, lists of owners, principals, passive investors, and management structure.
Identification & Personal History: For all owners and principals.
State Residency and Criminal History: Lists of criminal charges or convictions and residency status.
Corporate Information: Details on entities involved, management agreements, financial sources, contracts, and more.
Financial Details: Including accounts, bankruptcy proceedings, charitable contributions, and stocks.
Diverse Ownership Certifications: For minority-owned, woman-owned, or disabled veteran-owned businesses.
Impact Zone & Social Equity Criteria: Attestations for impact zone and social equity qualifications.
Microbusiness Requirements: Proof of local residency for at least 51% of those included in the microbusiness.

The application process is designed to ensure a transparent, well-structured, and responsible framework for the operation of cannabis businesses in New Jersey. By requiring a comprehensive set of information and compliance with various standards, the state aims to maintain a regulated, safe, and inclusive environment within the burgeoning cannabis industry.

Annual License Renewals in New Jersey for Cannabis Businesses

The process for renewing an annual cannabis business license in New Jersey is rigorous and governed by specific standards. A renewal can be denied if the applicant fails to meet the following requirements:

Truthfulness and Accuracy: Applicants must provide truthful, correct, and current information in their renewal application. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies could lead to denial.
Compliance with Regulations: Licensees must continue to adhere to the Act or N.J.A.C.17:30, the regulatory codes governing cannabis businesses in New Jersey. Non-compliance can result in a failure to renew.
Status Maintenance: If the business is classified as a diversely owned business, impact zone business, social equity business, or microbusiness, it must maintain that status. A change or loss of classification could lead to non-renewal.
Qualification of Associated Persons: Any person or entity included in the license must be deemed qualified to hold it. If any party involved is found unqualified, the renewal may be denied.

These guidelines highlight the state’s commitment to ensuring that the cannabis industry operates with integrity, transparency, and adherence to the specific classifications that may apply to different businesses. The renewal process is a crucial part of maintaining these standards, and applicants must remain vigilant in their compliance to successfully renew their licenses.

General Requirements for Cannabis Business License Holders in New Jersey

New Jersey has specific guidelines for operating a licensed cannabis dispensary. These requirements ensure that businesses operate legally, ethically, and responsibly.

General Requirements for All Cannabis Dispensaries:

Licensing: Dispensaries must obtain and maintain a valid license.
Naming: Businesses must operate under their legal entity name as on the license, with an exception for ATC’s with prior approval.
Employment Efforts: Businesses should make good faith efforts to recruit and employ individuals who would qualify as social equity businesses.
Microbusiness Staffing: Microbusinesses must employ 10 or fewer people.
Labor Peace Agreements: Except for microbusinesses, licensees must attest to having labor peace agreements with bona fide labor groups.
Sanitation: Maintain sanitary conditions throughout the premises.
Odor Control: Prevent odors from escaping the retail cannabis location.
Sustainability Plan: Implement and adhere to a plan for sustainable operations.

Additional Requirements for Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs):

Patient Prioritization: Expanded ATCs must prioritize the needs of registered qualifying patients over retail consumers.
Uninterrupted Access: They must not make changes that reduce access to medical cannabis for registered qualifying patients.
Supply Adequacy: If the Commission determines that an expanded ATC does not have enough medical cannabis or products to meet patient needs, penalties may include fines, retail sales limits, temporary suspension of licenses, or other measures.

These regulations affirm New Jersey’s commitment to safe, ethical, and patient-centered cannabis dispensing. It is crucial for all businesses, including ATCs and microbusinesses, to carefully adhere to these standards to maintain licensure and contribute positively to the community and industry.

Prohibitions for Cannabis Dispensaries in New Jersey

Cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey must operate within certain legal boundaries. Specific prohibitions are in place to ensure a safe and responsible environment. Dispensaries are strictly prohibited from the following actions:

Consumption on Premises: Allowing the consumption of cannabis or alcohol on the premises, or in nearby public areas, is not permitted.
Selling Restricted Items: Dispensaries cannot sell food, beverages, alcohol, or tobacco.
Age Restrictions:
- No one under the age of 21 is allowed onto the premises unless supervised by a parent or legal guardian.
- Dispensaries cannot sell or provide cannabis to anyone under the age of 21.
Alternate Naming: The use, display, advertising, or operation under any alternate name other than the legal entity name on the license is forbidden.

These prohibitions are enforced by the state’s regulatory authorities, and non-compliance can lead to fines, license suspension, or other legal consequences. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that dispensaries maintain a lawful and respectful presence in their communities and within the industry.

Required Cannabis Retailer Operations Manual in New Jersey

New Jersey cannabis businesses must have a well-defined operations manual. This essential document guides the daily activities of the business, ensuring compliance with state regulations and safety standards. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the manual must include:

1. Oversight Procedures:

Adverse Event Reporting: Protocols for reporting any unfavorable occurrences.
Quality Assurance & Control: Guidelines for maintaining the quality of cannabis products.
Recall Procedures: Steps for recalling cannabis items if needed or directed.
Packaging & Labeling: Rules for the packaging and labeling of cannabis items.
Inventory Control & Diversion Prevention: Measures to control inventory and prevent illegal redistribution.
Waste Disposal & Sanitation: Processes for disposing of waste and maintaining sanitation.
Accounting & Tax Compliance: Compliance with accounting and tax laws.

2. Sales & Customer Interaction:

Safe Cannabis Selling Procedures: How to conduct sales securely.
Criteria for Refusing Service: Guidelines for denying service due to unacceptable behavior.
Age Verification Policies: Processes for ensuring compliance with age restrictions.

3. Recordkeeping & Security:

Accurate Recordkeeping: Procedures for keeping accurate records, including inventory tracking.
Employee, Visitor, & Facility Security Policies: Rules for ensuring the safety and security of people and premises.

4. Safety Procedures:

Disaster Plan: Emergency procedures for fires or other emergencies.
Personal Safety & Crime Prevention Techniques: Guidelines for personal safety and crime deterrence.

5. Business Information:

Hours of Operation & After-Hour Contacts: Detailed schedule and emergency contacts.
Fee Schedule: Explanation of all fees related to the cannabis business.
Confidentiality & Privacy Standards: Policies regarding the privacy of operations and consumers.

6. License Holder Responsibilities:

The operations manual must be available for inspection by the Commission upon request.

Creating and maintaining this operations manual is crucial for any cannabis business in New Jersey. It serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure that all aspects of the business are conducted responsibly and in line with the state’s regulatory framework.

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Security Requirements for New Jersey Cannabis Businesses

New Jersey mandates that all cannabis businesses must have robust security controls and procedures. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what these security measures must include:

1. Alarm Systems:

Safety and security alarm systems that notify business personnel and police.
Immediate activation of a backup system.
Regular testing and maintenance protocols.
Inspections and tests every 30 days.

2. Access Controls:

Measures to deter and prevent unauthorized entry into areas with cannabis.
Minimized external access with well-controlled entry points.
Restricted entry to cannabis areas to authorized personnel only.

3. Premises Security:

Protection measures for premises, consumers, and staff.
Well-lit outside and perimeter areas.

4. Electronic Monitoring:

Video cameras and panic buttons.
A 24-hour monitored video surveillance and security alarm system (can be off-site).
Ensuring all systems are in working order at all times.

5. Community Interaction:

Providing local law enforcement and neighbors within 100 feet of the business with the name and phone number of a contact person for reporting any issues.

New Jersey Cannabis Laws: A Progressive and Regulated Industry

The Garden State has made significant strides in shaping a progressive and regulated cannabis industry. With an eye on social equity, sustainability, and community well-being, New Jersey’s cannabis laws have been meticulously crafted to create a fair and transparent marketplace.

What we’ve detailed in this blog is just a glimpse into the multifaceted legal landscape that governs cannabis businesses in New Jersey. From microbusinesses to annual license applications, from security requirements to operational guidelines, New Jersey’s cannabis laws offer a comprehensive framework that aspiring entrepreneurs must carefully navigate.

As you consider embarking on this exciting journey in the cannabis industry, we highly encourage you to delve into the complete regulations and resolutions. Knowledge of the legal intricacies is crucial, not only to comply with the law but also to thrive in this promising sector.

Read the complete regulations here.

Access all resolutions here.

New Jersey’s commitment to a well-regulated and inclusive cannabis industry offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation. With proper guidance, adherence to the laws, and a focus on ethical practices, you can be part of this burgeoning field, contributing to a responsible and vibrant cannabis economy in the state.