On April 11, 2022, New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) voted to approve the state’s first adult-use cannabis sales to the general public. In doing so, the CRC granted regulatory approval to seven companies currently operating thirteen medical marijuana dispensaries to commence adult-use cannabis sales. The companies include well-known industry players such as Curaleaf, Green Thumb Industries, and Verano Holdings.
The decision to start adult-use sales follows a series of complications during the previous spring and winter, where bureaucratic and regulatory concerns prevented applications for adult-use cannabis from moving forward. Now, however, regulators such as CRC executive director Jeff Brown have indicated a willingness to work with cannabis companies and expand access to consumers.
New Jersey is just the latest state to follow the continuing trend of adult-use cannabis legalization. As more states begin to legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational use, the impact on everyday businesses and consumers is sure to be felt as everyone from employers to commercial retailers grapples with changing laws and norms.
With a practical approach, Chad provides compliance guidance and litigation defense on matters related to cannabis, advertising and marketing, teleservices, and other consumer protection issues.