This bill establishes new criminal offenses related to the sale and purchase of marijuana from unlicensed businesses in New Jersey. Specifically, it makes it a third-degree crime for business owners to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana without a license from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, with penalties including three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to $15,000. Additionally, the bill defines a second-degree crime for individuals who lead illegal marijuana business networks, which involves conspiring with others to unlawfully operate multiple unlicensed businesses. This offense carries a penalty of five to ten years of imprisonment and fines up to $150,000, with a presumption of imprisonment for those convicted.

Furthermore, the bill creates a disorderly persons offense for individuals who knowingly purchase marijuana from unlicensed businesses, punishable by up to six months of imprisonment and fines not exceeding $1,000. It also empowers the New Jersey State Police, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, to close businesses that violate these provisions and to seize any marijuana involved in such violations. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed marijuana operations and enhance penalties for related offenses.