“We fear New Jersey may not live up to expectations, at least initially,” Zuanic began.
New Jersey's cannabis sales are expected to start on Feb. 15 at the latest, according to an announcement from state regulators.
Lethargic Start
Referring to the NJ state cannabis commission as being “far from nimble,” approval of new license applications will be slow, said Zuanic, adding that the main concern is not only a sluggish start but a low number of shops. “Only eight stores for a population of 9 million, plus ‘visitors’ from Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York.”
As a comparison, Zuanic looked at Arizona, population 7 million, which had 70 stores up and ready to sell adult-use cannabis on the first day of the program. And despite that, the “long lines made TV headlines.”