Yo, what’s good, it’s your boy Dan, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on what’s been happening in the cannabis scene in New Jersey. So, check it: the state’s legalization law went into effect last year, but there was a cap on cultivator licenses set at 37. That’s whack, right? But they finally lifted that cap last month, so now there are 17 licensed cultivators in the game.
But hold up, just because they lifted the cap don’t mean everybody’s down with the green. A ton of towns in NJ have opted out of having any cannabis businesses in their area. Like, almost 400 of them! That makes it super tough for businesses to find a spot to set up shop. My homie Darrin Chandler Jr., who’s the co-founder of Premium Genetics, says it’s “almost impossible” to find real estate and prices are “astronomical.” That’s just not cool, man.
And don’t even get me started on how medical cannabis patients in NJ still can’t grow their own plants at home. Like, what is that about? There’s a bill that would change that, but some big shot politician named Senate President Nick Scutari is standing in the way. Not cool, man.
But on the bright side, some outside businesses are coming through to NJ to get in on the action. Al Harrington’s Viola products are expanding into the state this month, and Raekwon from Wu-Tang Clan is opening up a cannabis lounge in Newark. That’s what’s up!
The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) is also working on some new rules for cannabis consumption. They’re not down with on-site food sales, but they’re cool with food being delivered or brought in from outside. And no tobacco or alcohol sales allowed on site either.
Oh, and one more thing: the NJ Attorney General just released a new drug testing policy for law enforcement. Basically, if an officer looks like they’re high at work, they’ll get tested. Makes sense to me!
So there you have it, fam. That’s what’s been going down in NJ lately in terms of cannabis. Keep it real!