More medical marijuana businesses are set to come to the Garden State.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announced June 3, 2019, that it is seeking new applicants to operate up to 108 additional medical cannabis facilities, known as Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs). Applications for the new licenses will be available July 1, 2019, and must be submitted by Aug. 15.
For the first time, New Jersey will issue separate licenses for growers, processors, and retailers. As many as 38 businesses will be licensed in the northern region, up to 38 more in the central region, and 32 in the southern region of the state. Of the 108 licenses, the goal is to have as many as 24 growers, 30 processors, and 54 retailers, according to a NJDOH statement.
“We are at a point where patients just cannot wait any longer for easily accessible, affordable therapy. This request for applications (RFA) allows for specialization of businesses to increase medical product in our state,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal in the statement. “In addition, by allowing for three sizes of cultivation endorsements (5,000 square feet, 20,000 square feet, and 30,000 square feet), we are increasing opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses to participate in the program.”
Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy opened a June 3, 2019, press conference on tax issues with news of what he called the “off topic” announcement about the NJDOH licensing expansion.