The bill amends Section 12 of P.L.2019, c.153 to enhance the application process for cannabis business permits in New Jersey. It requires applicants for medical cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, or dispensary permits to submit a comprehensive application that includes a detailed operating plan and a letter or affidavit from municipal officials confirming compliance with local zoning requirements. This letter must be issued within 30 days of the request and is no longer contingent upon obtaining land use or preliminary site plan approval. Additionally, the bill emphasizes local support and community impact, mandating that applicants demonstrate plans for positive engagement and economic contributions, and it disqualifies applications lacking proof of control over the premises.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements aimed at promoting equity and labor relations within the cannabis industry. It mandates the submission of a signed project labor agreement with a bona fide labor organization and prioritizes applications from individuals with established labor agreements and local residency. The legislation also aims to ensure diversity by requiring at least 30% of new permits to be issued to certified minority, women's, and disabled veterans' businesses. It establishes a priority system for ranking applications based on various criteria, including community impact and involvement of New Jersey residents, and mandates that at least 10% of licenses for each class of cannabis establishment be designated for microbusinesses. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the licensing process while fostering collaboration and equity in the cannabis sector.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-7.2, 24:6I-36