During the July 28, 2022 meeting of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (“CRC”), a number of hot topics were discussed. No matter which issue we discuss first, it will seem like we are burying the lead. But in our view, the single most important piece of information from this meeting was the passage of a rule waiver to allow curbside retail sales pick-up and home delivery for cannabis. This means that cannabis will now be deliverable in much the same way that Door Dash, Grubhub and Uber Eats have revolutionized food delivery and Drizly has changed alcohol delivery. The CRC’s authority delegation will be relied upon to enforce age restriction provisions, and to that end, we expect those companies operating delivery operations to mirror that incorporated in Drizly’s popular app.
The next big piece of news is the CRC’s update that guidelines for consumption area and edible products will be released “soon.” It remains unknown what that means precisely, but the interest in state for adult-use edible cannabis products remains one of, if not the highest issues facing the CRC presently. Whether this means we will get a roll-out of the guidelines at this month’s meeting remains unclear. Based upon what the Firm is hearing from its sources, the most realistic timeframe for release of the guidelines will be at the September 22nd meeting.
Finally, the CRC discussed a number of smaller changes that are important for our clients. First, the CRC advised that it would be updating its internal organization. The plan is to restructure the Office of Compliance and Licensing, which was originally a single office, but will now be split to operate independently. Second, the price for medical cannabis patient registrations has been cut in half (previously $100 for a 2-year registration, now $50 for 2 years). And third, the CRC approved applications for name changes and locations for three (3) ATCs for medical cannabis. Specifics on those changes have not yet been revealed.
Should you have any questions regarding the updates from the July meeting, please contact Cipriani & Werner’s Chair of the Cannabis Law Practice Group, Francis J. Leddy, III, Esq. at fleddy@c-wlaw.com or by phone at (848) 229-3300.
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The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By reading this article, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and Cipriani & Werner, P.C. or any of our attorneys. No information contained in this article should be construed as legal advice from Cipriani & Werner, P.C. or the individual authors.