The bill proposes significant amendments to New Jersey's cannabis regulations, focusing on the application and licensing processes for cannabis establishments, including the Cannabis Regulatory Commission's role, municipal ordinances, and alternative treatment centers (ATCs). 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, extendable by 30 days if necessary. 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 proof of residency and income levels. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of microbusinesses by ensuring that at least 10% of permits are allocated to them, alongside provisions for clinical registrant permits that require contracts with academic medical centers.

Moreover, the bill allows municipalities to impose local regulations on cannabis establishments and mandates that they notify the commission of their decisions on applications. It streamlines the licensing process by removing certain application requirements, such as the business plan and management operation profile, while emphasizing the need for labor peace agreements. The commission is tasked with prioritizing applications from businesses in "impact zones" and ensuring that at least 25% of licenses are allocated to applicants with ties to these areas. The legislation also establishes guidelines for the sale and advertising of cannabis products, including dosage limits and advertising restrictions, while allowing ATCs to hold multiple licenses and streamline their operations. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable and efficient cannabis marketplace 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