The bill amends Section 7 of P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-7) to revise the application process for permits related to medical cannabis operations in New Jersey. It establishes a temporary restriction for the first 18 months post-enactment, limiting applicants to one permit of any type and capping the number of active cultivator permits at 28, with exceptions for microbusinesses. After this period, permit holders may hold one of each type of permit concurrently, while the bill also outlines exemptions for alternative treatment centers. Additionally, it introduces labor peace agreements, allows for multi-location cannabis cultivation under canopy limits, and clarifies the roles of cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries.

The bill further establishes the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to oversee cannabis regulation, transferring these responsibilities from the Department of Health. It includes provisions for ethical standards, allowing certain state officers to engage with the cannabis industry under specific conditions, while imposing post-employment restrictions. The bill also mandates that medical cannabis dispensaries maintain reasonable pricing, introduces stringent background checks for permit applicants, and prohibits state employees from holding interests in cannabis licenses to avoid conflicts of interest. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the regulatory framework for cannabis in New Jersey, ensuring accountability and compliance within the industry.

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