Legal Recreational Marijuana Is A Game Changer For New Jersey; Here Is What Entrepreneurs Need To Know

By Michelle Jones

New Jersey joined the growing list of states that have legalized recreational cannabis use for adults, and businesses are preparing to enter the market. If the state follows in the footsteps of its medical marijuana program, it may not be handing out many licenses; This may worry some with concern that only large corporations will be able to swoop in and secure them, but one expert tells ValueWalk that isn’t the case

Starting With Medical Marijuana

Sara Gullickson of The Cannabis Business Advisors has been working in the industry since states started legalizing the plant. Sara works across state lines navigating a complex legal and regulatory landscape.

In an interview with ValueWalk, she explained that different parts of the country jump on similar bandwagons to develop and expand their programs. For instance, New Jersey will apply parts of its medical program, which has been legal since 2010, to roll out its adult-use program passed by a vote in late 2020.

New Jersey’s medical program legalized under Senate Bill 119 established vertically integrated Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) licenses, which allowed for the cultivation, processing and dispensing of medical marijuana to qualified patients. The state awarded six ATCs in 2011 and an additional six ATCs in 2018.

When New Jersey conducted a third round of marijuana licensing in 2019, they were supposed to issue a total of 24 additional licenses: 5 cultivation only, 15 dispensaries only, and 4 Alternative Treatment Centers, but they were stalled due to lawsuits filed against the state. These licenses have yet to be issued. However, there’s now a light at the end of the tunnel as Gov. Phil Murphy supports the drug’s use and wants the industry to succeed.

Getting A Cannabis License

Where the program stands now, there are currently 12 operational ATCs in New Jersey which are true vertical licenses………..

Call 602-290-9424‬ or email Info@TheCannabisBusinessAdvisors.com to learn more about how we can help you apply for a cannabis business license in New Jersey.