Gov. Phil Murphy disputed the notion that his proposed medical marijuana expansion conflicts with a similarly aimed bill moving through the legislature, even though several provisions in the measure and opposition from top lawmakers could the hinder the administration’s moves.
Murphy’s remarks came hours after his administration unveiled a plan to add 108 new medical marijuana businesses, including 24 cultivation sites, 30 manufacturing facilities and 54 dispensaries.
The New Jersey Department of Health today announced it is seeking new applicants to operate up to 108 additional Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs): Up to 38 in the northern region of the state, up to 38 in the central region, and up to 32 in the southern region. Three types of endorsements will be available for ATCs: cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary. In total, the Department will seek up to 24 cultivation endorsements, up to 30 manufacturing endorsements, and up to 54 dispensary endorsements.
- Creating separate permits for cultivators, processors and dispensaries, thus increasing potential business opportunities. Currently, licensed dispensaries must grow their own cannabis. Recent forecasts estimated the market will need 15 additional growers and 50-90 dispensaries by 2022.
- Streamlining the process to add qualifying medical conditions to the program. The rule removes the requirement that the petitions for new qualifying conditions must first go to the Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel.
The biggest change will affect how permits are handed out to businesses and the industry will be divided into three groups: cultivators, manufacturers and retailers.