TRENTON, N.J. (WCBS 880) — New Jersey on Wednesday took the first steps to create a legitimate marijuana industry in the state after the Murphy administration began accepting applications from cannabis growers, product manufacturers and testing labs.
The application portal went live at 9 a.m. Wednesday and almost immediately, 500 people registered accounts with the state, Jeff Brown, executive director for the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission said.
By 1 p.m., the application platform was averaging 155 new users per hour, the commission added.
“We are happy to reach this milestone,” said Jeff Brown. “Applications are coming in, the platform is performing well, and we can officially mark the launch of the state’s recreational cannabis industry.”
Brown noted the commission will start accepting applications for dispensary operators – retail shops to sell cannabis products – in March 2022.
According to the commission, there are no deadlines for applications, and all will be accepted and reviewed on a continuous basis.
However, applications from women, minorities and veterans will be reviewed first, as New Jersey is hoping to give those who have been disproportionately affected by marijuana offenses priority.
The commission has not yet provided an estimate on when sales can begin in New Jersey.
Under state law, the commission can only issue 37 licenses for cannabis growers before February 2023. However, there is no cap on the number of licenses for manufacturers, testers or retail shops.
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