New Jersey CannaBusiness Association (NJCBA) President Edmund DeVeaux issued the following statement on August 19th after the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) announced its first set of rules and regulations governing New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis market:
“The CRC has worked under extraordinary pressure to get to this moment. CRC members and staff should be commended for their tireless efforts and willingness to listen over the last several months.
“Focusing on microbusinesses and social equity first is the right direction to head in. The NJCBA has always stressed the importance of widening the market to allow as many cannabis entrepreneurs as possible. We’ve also spoken time and again about the need to ensure that the communities hurt most by the failed War on Drugs are fairly represented in this space. These new rules begin to tackle both of those concerns, giving a boost to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to own or run their own cannabis-based business.
“While we are thrilled that the adult-use market is on its way in a thoughtful manner, we cannot help but look back and share our disappointment in the lack of movement on the 2019 medical cannabis application round. The inaction on the possible 24 licenses is not insignificant. That said, we look forward to working together with the CRC, local businesses, and local municipalities to ensure New Jersey creates the country’s most responsible, sustainable, diverse and profitable cannabis industry.”
