The bill amends Section 7 of P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-7) to revise the application process for permits to operate as medical cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries in New Jersey. It establishes that the commission will accept applications for various types of permits, including conditional permits and those for microbusinesses, with a cap of 28 active medical cannabis cultivator permits for the first 18 months. After this period, permit holders may hold multiple types of permits, but still limited to one of each type. The bill also allows alternative treatment centers to cultivate cannabis from multiple locations within specified canopy limits and requires them to submit a labor peace agreement to maintain their permits. Additionally, it clarifies the roles of cannabis entities, allows for cannabis consumption areas at dispensaries, and sets guidelines for financial assistance agreements with minority, women, or disabled-veterans' businesses.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to oversee the regulation of medical and personal use cannabis, transferring these responsibilities from the Department of Health. It outlines the commission's structure, including member qualifications and appointment processes, and grants it authority to impose penalties for non-compliance. The bill also introduces post-employment restrictions for state officers and employees regarding interests in the cannabis industry, while allowing certain exceptions. It clarifies ethical standards for state officials, including prohibitions against soliciting complimentary services from cannabis licensees and using official authority to influence licensing decisions. Violations of these provisions can result in significant penalties, and the act is set to take effect immediately upon approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-7
Advance Law: 24:6I-7, 24:6I-24, 52:13D-17.2
Pamphlet Law: 24:6I-7, 24:6I-24, 52:13D-17.2