New Jersey Regulators Announce New Marijuana Delivery, Wholesaler And Distributor Licenses, With Social Equity Businesses First In Line To Apply

New Jersey marijuana regulators have announced that they will begin accepting applications later this month for three additional license types, including cannabis delivery services.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) said that applications for wholesalers, distributors and delivery services will first open exclusively to social equity businesses starting September 27. The process will then open up to diversely-owned businesses on December 27. The licenses will be available to all prospective applicants beginning March 27.

The multi-phase application window is consistent with how the state has approached cannabis retailers, putting people who’ve been disproportionately impacted by prohibition at the front of the line to enter the legal marketplace.

“The launch of these new cannabis business license classes represents a significant step in the continued growth and diversification of New Jersey’s cannabis industry,” NJ-CRC Chair Dianna Houenou said in a press release on Friday. “We now have more medicinal and recreational businesses open, so applicants for these additional license classes have a more robust industry to serve.”

“We are committed to fostering inclusivity, empowering local communities, and providing opportunities for those typically underrepresented who want to enter the cannabis industry,” she said.

Jeff Brown, executive director of NJ-CRC, said the latest licensing development makes particular sense with the state now “on the cusp of 50 operational cannabis retailers.” This “will help New Jersey’s market serve consumers better.”

Regulators will also be hosting a webinar on September 14 to help walk people through the new license types and application process.

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There have also been questions about the current supply of cannabis in the state as consumers face high prices, which have been criticized by regulators. It’s possible that the forthcoming licensing expansion could help address the issue.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D) announced last month that tax revenue from cannabis sales will be partly funding a state grant that’s aimed at violence intervention and prevention.

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Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.