State regulators began formally accepting applications this week from those seeking licenses to engage in the retail sale of marijuana products.
By 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 172 applications had already been filed with the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the agency reported in a statement. Under state rules, officials will give first priority to “equity applicants,” including those who have previously been convicted of marijuana-related offenses or who reside in localities with high unemployment. Regulations place no limit on the total number of retail licenses that may be granted. However, an estimated 70 percent of municipalities have adopted local restrictions prohibiting the establishment of cannabis businesses in their neighborhoods.
“A robust, above-ground retail marijuana market is necessary in order to disrupt the unregulated marketplace and to assure that consumers have adequate access to lab-tested, high quality products at competitive prices,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said.