Hours after the stunning April 13 vote – which would have prohibited Curaleaf from selling adult-use cannabis at two of its three storefronts and impacted operations at both of its South Jersey cultivation facilities – the company raised concerns about the decision, requesting a stay to allow time for judicial review.
On behalf of Curaleaf, Lowenstein Sandler partner Christopher Porrino wrote in an April 14 letter to the CRC that refusal to respond by April 17 would be treated as a denial and the company would be ready to immediately file an appeal with the New Jersey Appellate Division.
However, the CRC walked back its earlier decision during an emergency meeting mid-day April 17, granting the company renewal of its five annual licenses, with a few conditions.
Following the reversal, Curaleaf Chief Executive Officer Matt Darin called the CRC’s decision “to vacate their unprecedented action” an “incredible victory” for the company’s 500 workers in New Jersey – many of whom showed up in Trenton to rally against the initial vote a few hours before the follow-up CRC meeting.