The bill proposes significant amendments to New Jersey's cannabis regulations, focusing on the application and licensing processes overseen by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Key changes include the introduction of nonrefundable application fees for permit applications and a requirement for the commission to make determinations on these applications within specified timeframes. If additional time is needed for review, the commission must notify the applicant within 30 days. The bill mandates that at least one-third of the total permits issued for each type of medical cannabis permit be conditional permits, with specific requirements for applicants, including documentation of residency and income levels. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of microbusinesses by reserving at least 10% of total permits for them and outlines the commission's authority to review service agreements related to permit applications.

Further amendments streamline the licensing process by removing certain application requirements, such as the need for a business plan and management operation profile, while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a labor peace agreement for licensing. The bill also introduces new criteria for evaluating applications, including the submission of community impact and workforce development plans, and prioritizes applications from individuals with significant community involvement. Municipalities are granted the authority to regulate cannabis establishments within their jurisdictions, and the bill establishes a centralized online portal for municipal cannabis regulations. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance regulatory compliance, promote public safety, and facilitate the growth of the cannabis industry in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-7.1, 24:6I-7.3, 24:6I-36, 24:6I-45, 24:6I-35, 24:6I-46, 24:6I-22