Small businesses may not have the political clout of regional conglomerates, but they’re hardworking, dependable and uniquely Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Health recently announced that the agency is seeking applicants for more than 100 new medical cannabis businesses throughout the Garden State.
That is great news for patients and the business community. Demand for medical cannabis in New Jersey has far outpaced supply, and entrepreneurs are poised to fill the gap. The state’s economy stands to benefit from expanding licenses and local small business and New Jersey residents who have been victimized by over-policing can — and should — benefit too.
As the state moves forward with its medical cannabis program, there is a real opportunity to boost local family-owned businesses. In the last round of cannabis licensing, five of the six awarded licenses went to large, multi-state companies. There is no argument that the state should license financially viable companies, but local businesses, if properly equipped to scale production, should be prioritized.