The bill proposes significant amendments to New Jersey's cannabis regulations, focusing on the application and licensing processes for cannabis establishments, including the activities of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission and municipal ordinances. 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 90 days, with an additional 30 days allowed if more time is needed. The bill mandates that at least one-third of the total permits issued for medical cannabis must be conditional permits, with specific requirements for applicants, such as documentation of residency and income limits. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of microbusinesses by ensuring that at least 10% of total permits are designated for them.

Further amendments include the removal of certain requirements for conditional license applications, such as the need for a business plan and liability insurance coverage, while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a labor peace agreement for licensing. The bill also prioritizes the issuance of licenses based on the needs of "impact zones" and allows municipalities to impose local regulations on cannabis establishments. It introduces provisions for the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to create an online portal for municipal regulations and outlines guidelines for the sale and distribution of cannabis products, including dosage limits and advertising restrictions. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensing process, enhance regulatory oversight, and promote equity within 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