The bill amends the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, primarily focusing on the structure and responsibilities of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. It establishes that the commission will consist of five members, with the chair designated by a majority of the authorized members instead of solely by the Governor, and clarifies that the chair will not have direct supervisory powers over other members. The appointment process is modified to require Senate approval for subsequent appointments, while initial appointments do not require it. The bill also increases the maximum salaries for the chair and other members and allows them to hold local elected office under certain conditions. Additionally, it mandates the commission to adopt a Code of Ethics aligned with the Code of Judicial Conduct and prohibits members from engaging in activities related to cannabis businesses, with exceptions for registered patients.

Further amendments address the operations of cannabis establishments and the responsibilities of commission members. The bill allows commission members to meet with any person regarding pending applications, provided these meetings are logged for public inspection. It also clarifies that commission members and employees cannot engage in political activities related to campaigns, although they can vote and express personal opinions. Municipalities are granted authority to regulate cannabis establishments through ordinances, with specific provisions for medical cannabis dispensaries applying for adult-use licenses. The bill also introduces provisions regarding the employment of State officers and their immediate family members in the cannabis industry, allowing such employment under certain conditions to prevent conflicts of interest. Lastly, it mandates the New Jersey State Police to enforce regulations against unlicensed cannabis businesses, designating them as public nuisances.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-24, 24:6I-27, 24:6I-45, 52:13D-17.2