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October 7, 2022October 13, 2022 By CWCBExpo

October 2022 Regional Cannabis News: NY Medical Program Expands, CT Prepares for Recreational Sales

Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers a convenient regional news round-up highlighting significant developments in the tri-state area and Pennsylvania. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to get the most recent edition when it’s published.

Between the expansion of New York’s medical cannabis program and the newly legal adult-use market in Connecticut, there is no shortage of exciting developments underway. It’s critical for East Coast business leaders and entrepreneurs to stay up to date on regulatory changes within the local market. Read on to learn more about cannabis happenings this month in the Northeast cannabis industry.

New York will allow home grow for medical patients

New regulations by New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will allow certified patients and designated caregivers to grow their own cannabis at home. The regulations were given final approval and took effect on October 5th, 2022.

The regulations allow medical cannabis patients and caregivers to grow up to three mature and three immature plants at home. Mature plants are defined as those which have buds forming, while immature plants do not have visible buds. The changes will also allow medical patients and caregivers to possess up to five pounds of cultivated marijuana in addition to their home-grown plants.

Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander noted that the office has “prioritized patient access in this program,” and “it’s going to continue to be a priority.”

“I’m just really excited that we’re able to provide this more affordable option to patients to get access to that medicine,” he said in a September Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Meeting.

It will remain illegal for a patient or caregiver to sell their home-grown cannabis, seeds, or plants to another person. However, they can gift up to 3 ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis to another certified patient or caregiver.

New Jersey releases cannabis workplace guidance

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) has released interim guidance for workplace cannabis testing 18 months after passing the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act.

Under the CREAMM Act, New Jersey employers are prohibited from taking any adverse action against employees because of a positive THC test. The CREAMM Act also referenced the implementation of Workplace Impairment Recognition Experts (WIRE) to ensure an employer’s right to a drug free workplace during work hours. These experts would be individuals designated by the employer and certified to assess whether an employee is under the influence in the workplace or during work hours.

With no further guidance, the NJCRC issued interim guidance employers may utilize in detecting and identifying an employee’s workplace use or impairment from cannabis until the NJCRC formulates and approves standards for WIRE certifications.

According to the NJCRC, the guidance is meant to support employers’ right to create and maintain safe work environments but also says that employees cannot be acted against solely due to the presence of cannabis in their bodies. The interim guidelines include a “Reasonable Suspicion Observation Report Form.” Employers have the right to drug test with reasonable suspicion of impairment.

Connecticut launches cannabis education campaign

With the legal sale of adult-use cannabis expected to begin within a few months, Connecticut is officially launching an education campaign about safe consumption. Launched as a partnership between the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, the education campaign aims to demonstrate safety precautions for potential cannabis businesses and consumers.

All campaign material, which includes videos, flyers, and brochures, will be developed by agencies that treat addiction and protect consumers, public health, and mental health. Other topics include how to store and dispose of cannabis and cannabis waste safely and what to do if a child or pet accidentally ingests cannabis.

“Protecting public health and safety includes providing people with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions to keep their families safe,” Governor Lamont said in a statement. “We’re working to educate the public about the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families from accidental ingestion and over-consumption. We encourage adults who choose to use these products to do so responsibly.”

The education material will be available for anyone and can be downloaded for free on the state’s adult-use cannabis website.

Stay connected with East Coast cannabis through CWCBExpo

Both new and existing state cannabis programs are evolving at a rapid rate. Every state has its own set of regulations, and the East Coast market is expanding quickly. In addition to our annual business-to-business trade shows, CWCBExpo’s monthly news round-ups are a great and convenient way to stay in the loop on all local news and events. Subscribe to our email newsletter or follow us on social media to stay updated on the most important cannabis news on the East Coast and beyond.

September 15, 2022September 15, 2022 By CWCBExpo

September 2022 Regional Cannabis News: PA and NY Make Strides Toward Social Equity

From significant movement in the New York adult-use market to pardoned cannabis convictions in Pennsylvania, there was no summer slowdown in the Northeast cannabis market. Read on for access to all the need-to-know information on changes and updates in the Northeast region.

PA to pardon cannabis convictions

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D-PA) has announced a one-time, large-scale pardon effort for people with minor, non-violent cannabis convictions on their records.

Longtime cannabis advocate and chair to the state Board of Pardons, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D-PA), said in a statement that he was undertaking the move as a response to the absence of legislative action.

“Nobody should be turned down for a job, housing, or volunteering at your child’s school because of some old nonviolent weed charge, especially given that most of us don’t even think this should be illegal,” Fetterman said.

Pennsylvanians with one or both of the following convictions will be eligible for the opportunity to be pardoned:

Possession of Marijuana (Title 35 Section 780-113 Subsection A31)
Marijuana, Small Amount Personal Use (Title 35 Section 780-113 Subsection A31I)

Under the program’s timeline, applicants have until September 30th, 2022 to apply and will be notified by Oct. 13th, 2022 if they will receive a public hearing. The application process is conducted 100% online. Use this guide to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

New York starts accepting recreational license applications

The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has officially opened applications for adult-use retail locations. The OCM unveiled a regional breakdown on Aug 25 of the 150 conditional adult-use retail dispensary (CAURD) licenses that it plans to accept as an initial step to setting New York up to serve adult-use consumers.

As a part of the state’s Seeding Opportunity Initiative, which intends to assist New Yorkers most impacted by the War on Drugs, all conditional dispensary license applicants must prove they are justice-involved by meeting the following requirements:

Must be justice-involved, which means an individual convicted of a cannabis-related offense in New York before March 31, 2021, or had a family member or dependent who was convicted, or was a dependent of someone convicted
Must have owned at least 10% of a qualifying business for two years
if applying as a person, you must be a New York resident
If applying as an organization, it must have a significant corporate presence in New York or be created under New York laws

The Seeding Opportunity Initiative offers additional assistance to qualified applicants, including helping applicants locate and obtain real estate. The New York State Office of Dormitory Services is obtaining $200 million worth of vacant spaces to provide to each approved applicant.

According to a CBS News report, 70 of the 150 dispensaries will be placed in the five boroughs based on population. There will be 20 on suburban Long Island and 17 in the mid-Hudson region.

The CAURD application portal launched on Thursday, Aug. 25th and will remain open until September 26th, 2022.

New Jersey hits $80 million in sales

New Jersey’s recreational cannabis market has officially seen more than $80 million just 10 weeks after launching. According to a statement from the New Jersey government, the state collected $219,482 in Social Equity Excise Fees, calculated on $79,698,831 in total sales of adult use cannabis from the start of sales (April 21st) through June 30th, 2022. Tax revenue from sales of adult use cannabis in the state totaled $4,649,202.

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) executive director Jeff Brown said that the numbers indicate a healthy market with room for growth.

“The market is improving. It is performing as we expect with the current number of dispensaries, the spread of locations, and the high prices,” Brown said in a statement on Friday, Aug. 12th.

“As more cannabis businesses come online, consumers won’t have to travel as far to make purchases, and prices will fall with increased competition. The market will do even better.”

According to New Jersey state law, at least 70% of the sales tax collected on adult-use cannabis sales must be directed toward communities disproportionately affected by cannabis-related arrests to further social justice and equity goals ensuring racial, social, and economic equity and justice.

New York approves first processor applications

The New York Cannabis Control Board has approved licenses for 15 cannabis processors in the Empire State. The approved processors can manufacture products like edibles, vape cartridges, and oils, according to the state’s Office of Cannabis Management. These products will be sold at New York’s first adult use retail dispensaries.

“Today’s Board Meeting brings us one step closer to launching New York’s legal cannabis marketplace,” Chair of the Cannabis Control Board Tremaine Wright said in a statement. “Processors aren’t just an important part of the cannabis supply chain, they are creators who take a raw plant and transform into tested, consistent, high-quality products that consumers can trust.”

Among the first approved processors are Chocolate Delivery Systems, Inc., also known as Create Goodness in Buffalo; Northeast Botanical Distributions LLC, known as Bison Botanics in Kenmore; and Empire Hemp Co LLC in Batavia. The state also approved more than 30 cannabis cultivator licenses back in April.

End the summer in the loop

Summer may be coming to an end, but the Northeast cannabis industry is just getting started. With things changing as constantly as they do, it’s crucial to stay up to date to ensure your business is prepared for success. Resources like CWCBExpo’s monthly news updates and annual exhibitions are an easy way to stay in the loop.

August 4, 2022August 15, 2022 By CWCBExpo

August 2022 Regional Cannabis News: NY, CT Adult-Use Programs Prioritize Social Equity

Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers a convenient regional news round-up highlighting significant developments in the tri-state area and Pennsylvania. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to get the most recent edition when it’s published.

From famed rapper Ice-T receiving a license for a dispensary in Jersey City, NJ to Pennsylvania taking steps to protect banking services, the Northeast’s cannabis industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Social equity has continued to be a major theme as the region lays the groundwork for its cannabis industry too, with New York and Connecticut working to include key provisions in their adult use regulations. With all the buzz surrounding cannabis in the northeast, this month’s regional news update is not to be missed.

Pennsylvania adopts cannabis banking protections

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D) has signed a bill to protect banking institutions and insurance firms that work with medical cannabis companies from state prosecution.

Sponsored by Rep. Rosemary Brown (R-PA), the legislation was passed into law as an amendment to House Bill 331, a non-cannabis-related banking bill.

The bill states that a “financial institution authorized to engage in business in this Commonwealth may provide financial services to or for the benefit of a legitimate cannabis-related business and the business associates of a legitimate cannabis-related business,” explicitly endorsing access to the state’s financial system for compliant cannabis businesses.

“All businesses that provide jobs and grow the state’s tax base require investment and protection as a basic necessity,” Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition executive Director Meredith Buettner said in a public statement. “House Bill 331 ensures equity for legitimate cannabis businesses, but most importantly, it sends a signal to the federal government to pass a national ‘safe banking act’ that protects an industry that helps millions of patients and generates billions in tax dollars.”

Although the legislation authorizes Pennsylvania banks to work with legal cannabis businesses, it does not require them to do so. And while state law now protects banks and insurance companies doing business with the industry, these institutions could still be at risk of federal consequences, potentially limiting the overall impact of the law. Federal reform is still required to address the widespread challenges associated with financial services and funding for cannabis businesses.

Connecticut Social Equity Council approves first five adult-use dispensaries

Connecticut’s Social Equity Council has approved the first five lottery adult-use retail cannabis dispensaries as a part of the state social equity initiative to benefit communities most affected by Prohibition.

All approved applicants will be referred to the State Department of Consumer Protection for the next steps in the licensing process. If approved for provisional licenses, the retail applicants will have the opportunity to prepare for full licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to sell adult-use cannabis directly to consumers or through a delivery service.

“I am proud of the progress the [Social Equity Council] continues to make in reviewing social equity applications and creating opportunities for those who are ready for a seat at the table,” Ginne-Rae Clay, Social Equity Council Executive Director, told the Hartford Courant. “The adult-use cannabis industry is alive and moving forward. The process for reviewing applications is designed to be inclusive of as many applicants as possible.”

The council reportedly denied one social equity retail application and approved a recommendation to reject nine applications due to ownership and control concerns. These approvals come just weeks after the Social Equity Council approved 16 adult-use cultivation licenses earlier this month.

New York approves regulations for adult use dispensary licenses

The New York Cannabis Control Board has officially approved regulations for conditional dispensary licenses. According to the new regulations, all conditional dispensary license applicants must prove they are justice-involved. This means that the applicant or a family member was convicted of a cannabis crime prior to March 31, 2021, and have at least two years of experience owning a profitable business.

This is part of the state’s Seeding Opportunity Initiative, intended to assist New Yorkers most impacted by the War on Drugs.

The conditional retail license regulations take effect on August 3. The Office of Cannabis Management expects to give out between 100 and 200 licenses, which would be non-transferable for four years. Retail sales could begin as soon as later this year.

Rapper and actor Ice-T to open a dispensary in Jersey City

The Jersey City Cannabis Control Board has approved New Jersey native Ice-T to open an adult-use dispensary this year. The legendary rapper and actor was born in Newark and owns a home in Edgewater.

The 5,000-square-foot dispensary, named The Medicine Woman, is set to open this fall on Tonnelle Avenue. The location is just a few miles from Midtown Manhattan, and will feature “the best of New Jersey cannabis brands, limited edition merch, education, and inspiration.” Ice-T will co-own the dispensary with model Charis Burrett, known professionally as Charis B, who founded The Medicine Woman.

The dispensary plans to hire locally and will also support several cannabis initiatives and local community organizations, including the Last Prisoner Project, Jersey City Mural and Arts Program, Jersey City Employment and Training program, and Hudson County Community College.

“I’ve dedicated my life and career to giving back and paving the way for minorities. As a New Jersey native, I’m excited for the opportunity legalization offers our community, and I look forward to ushering in a new era for cannabis in the state,” Ice T said in a press release.

Stay in the loop with cannabis industry news

With new cannabis trends and regulations emerging every day, businesses must stay up to date on the happenings within their area to gain a competitive edge. Events like the CWCBExpo and resources like our monthly news updates are a necessity as more changes come to the northeast. Follow our monthly round-ups and check out next year’s CWCBExpo to keep learning and networking with industry leaders that are building the cannabis industry of tomorrow.

July 7, 2022July 7, 2022 By CWCBExpo

July 2022 Regional Cannabis News: A Flurry of Activity in the Tri-State Area And Beyond

Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers a convenient regional news roundup, highlighting significant developments in the tri-state area and Pennsylvania. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to get the most recent edition when it’s published.

Summer is in full swing and the northeast remains hot when it comes to activity in the cannabis industry. In this month’s regional cannabis news update, we’re detailing plans by both New York and New Jersey to issue more licenses to cannabis operators and steps taken by Pennsylvania to reform its laws for the benefit of medical patients.

More adult-use dispensary locations open in New Jersey

Three more dispensaries began offering adult-use products in New Jersey, bringing the total count of adult-use storefronts in the state to 16. Approved by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) on May 25th, the three Garden State Dispensary stores are located in Woodbridge, Eatontown, and Union.

This is the second round of approvals since the state’s initial approval of 13 locations back in April 2022. Many medical dispensaries in the state are still working to secure licenses to begin selling adult-use products.

The CRC also approved an additional 46 conditional adult-use licenses for smaller cultivators and manufacturers, allowing them to start building out their facilities and growing crops, according to NJ.com. All this news comes after the first month of adult-use sales in N.J. brought in $24 million. Among other upcoming dispensary locations are the Apothecarium in Lodi and Ascend in Montclair.

Connecticut adult-use applicants await licensing

Connecticut legalized cannabis for adult use in July 2021, and applications for Cannabis Establishment licenses became available in February 2022. While cannabis has been legal for a year now, the lottery process for licenses continues.

While there is still no set date as to when these applications will receive approval, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) says they hope to have the first round of licenses selected within the next couple of months.

“We knew there would be a lot of interest, so we need a way to make it fair that people can apply, and we can review those applications quickly and on the way to opening their business,” DCP Director of Communication Kaitlyn Krasset said to NBC Connecticut.

While the majority of applications will have to rely on a lottery system, Connecticut’s law provides expectations for social equity applicants interested in cultivation. Thus far, the state has received 41 social equity cultivator applications. There is no cap on licenses for those who meet the income and residency requirements.

New York appoints Chief Equity Officer, issues more licenses

The New York State Cannabis Control Board has officially appointed Damian Fagon, a third-generation farmer, as the group’s Chief Equity Officer. As the Chief Equity Officer, Fagon oversees the industry’s diversity efforts. This includes the state’s goal of issuing at least 50% of cannabis business licenses to social equity applicants, including those from communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.

“Damian’s background as a leader in New York’s Black farmer community, his knowledge of the industry, and his efforts to support farming communities around the world uniquely position him to develop our equity program. We’re thrilled to have him on the board,” Tremaine Wright, chair of the Cannabis Control Board, stated in a report from SI Live.

The Cannabis Control Board also opened the application for NY’s conditional adult-use cannabis processing license and approved 41 new conditional cultivator licenses. This brings the total number of approved conditional cultivator licenses to 203. Businesses applying for the processing licenses must currently hold a cannabinoid hemp processing license. If selected, companies will be allowed to process and sell their cannabis products for up to two years.

Pennsylvania cannabis bill could remove zero-tolerance DUIs

A Pennsylvania Senate committee approved a bill in a vote of 13-0 on June 28th to remove zero-tolerance DUI penalties for legal, medical cannabis use in Pennsylvania. While the state currently functions on a zero-tolerance policy, the amended Senate Bill 1206 would require proof of active impairment as the basis for a DUI conviction.

Because cannabis can stay in the system far beyond the time of impairments, and Pennsylvania criminalizes the presence of any THC in a driver’s blood, the bill would act as a way to protect the rights of the close to 600,000 medical patients – one of the largest of such patient populations in the U.S. – in the state when they are driving sober.

“While the responsible medical cannabis patient never dries impaired, the risk of a zero-tolerance DUI arrest and prosecution is one of the most serious issues confronting Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis community,” said state Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) in a press release. “My bill will protect this community without sacrificing the safety of our roads.”

This change comes after advocacy from health professionals, lawyers, law enforcement, and others who spoke before the committee at a hearing last year. Criminal defense attorney Patrick Nightingale explained the importance of such reform to Marijuana Moment. “This, in my opinion as a criminal defense attorney, activist, and medical cannabis patient, is the most pressing issue facing our 350,000 plus medical cannabis patient population,” Nightingale said.

Stay up to date with cannabis industry news

With state-by-state cannabis laws remaining ever-changing, businesses must stay up to date on news, regulations, and trends within their area. As more state programs continue to progress and change, resources like our monthly news updates are essential to stay up to date and in the know. In addition to following our monthly round-ups, attend next year’s CWCBExpo to network with industry leaders and the startups that are working to grow the cannabis space here at home.

June 6, 2022June 17, 2022 By CWCBExpo

June 2022 Regional Cannabis News: Recapping CWCBExpo; NY, NJ Markets Expand

As the cannabis industry continues to grow throughout the country, it remains critically important for business leaders and entrepreneurs to stay up to date on changes within their local market. Between the expansion of the New Jersey adult-use market, the establishment of regulatory frameworks in New York, and the 8th annual CWCBExpo in New York City, there are plenty of exciting developments underway in the Northeast.

Read on to learn more about what’s on our radar after an eventful month.

8th Annual CWCBExpo brings in big-name speakers

Cannabis business leaders and entrepreneurs gathered at the Jacob K. Javits Center in NYC on June 2 through 4 for the 8th annual CWCBExpo.

Among the top moments from CWCBExpo 2022 were remarks from NYC Mayor Eric Adams, as well as keynotes from cannabis industry figureheads like Weedmaps CEO Chris Beals, Greenlane Holdings CEO Nick Kovacevich, NYS Cannabis Control Board Chair Tremaine Wright, and American rapper, author, and National Cannabis Party Co-Founder Redman.

On Friday, Mayor Adams spoke about the city’s newly legal industry and his office’s current approach to unlicensed cannabis sales. Shortly after his remarks, he toured the Women Grow pavilion, which featured 30 women-owned businesses under one banner on the show floor.

CWCBExpo also made history at this year’s show with the Proud Mary lounge, the industry’s first ever dedicated space representing and advocating for queer members of the cannabis industry.

Among other memorable moments from the weekend included:

The CWCBExpo Industry Yacht Party, an elegant cruise through New York Harbor following the second day of the expo;
The NORML FORML, an evening filled with networking and celebrating alongside advocates, athletes, politicians, and industry leaders, and
Multiple events throughout Cannabis Week, held this year from May 30th until June 5th, featuring and celebrating the plant.

All in all, it was an action-packed weekend filled with education, networking, and festivities — we can’t wait to see you again next year!

New York approves cannabis packaging regulations

The New York Cannabis Control Board has officially approved regulations on cannabis packaging. According to the new rules, cannabis companies will be required to implement child-resistant packaging and clear labeling that limits marketing to adult-only audiences. Labels also must include serving size, potency, ingredients, usage, and storage instructions.

“Protecting public health, reducing harm, and promoting sustainable industry practices are key components of legalizing cannabis for adult-use, and I look forward to considering these regulations as we develop the industry,” Cannabis Control Board Chair Tremaine Wright said in a statement. “We are committed to building a New York cannabis industry that sets high standards for protecting children and keeping products safe and sustainable.”

The new rules also aim to reduce waste by including information on recycling. According to the regulations, “licensees must submit an environmental sustainability program for cannabis product packaging as part of the application process. Such programs may include but are not limited to reuse strategies collecting reusable cannabis packaging components to be sanitized and refilled or reused as cannabis packaging, or sustainable packaging strategies that use non-plastic, compostable or recyclable materials, or packaging materials exceeding 25% post-consumer recycled content.”

The regulations will undergo a 60-day period of public comment starting on June 15, at which time members of the public can offer feedback to the commission as they consider finalizing the rules.

New Jersey adult-use market expands

In the first month of adult-use sales across multiple locations in New Jersey, dispensaries generated $24 million in sales revenue, reports Forbes. Thanks in part to that success, six more retail cannabis shops have been approved to begin adult-use sales in the state, according to the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC).

The locations approved for adult-use sales include Ayr Wellness, with locations in Woodbridge, Union, and Eatontown; TerrAscend in Lodi; and Ascend in Montclair. While there is no set date on the state of sales at these locations, sales did begin at Curaleaf’s Edgewater dispensary in May.

Additionally, the CRC announced that dispensaries will no longer be required to wait a year after opening before entering the adult-use market. Instead, they will only be required to prove that they can meet medicinal and recreational cannabis requirements. Finally, the commission also announced approvals for cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, and testing laboratories.

“The interest in getting into this industry is tremendous. And certainly, we’re working to move all those forward,” said CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown.

Stay in the loop with CWCBExpo

Although cannabis remains illegal on the federal level, the industry continues to grow rapidly in the states that have legalized medicinal and/or adult-use cannabis sales. Each state industry has its own set of regulations, many of which change frequently as the local market develops and evolves. As a result, it’s essential that any cannabis business owner or professional stays on top of the most recent news and the nuances of each market in which they operate.

In addition to CWCBExpo’s annual business-to-business conferences, our monthly news round-ups are a great and convenient way to stay in the loop on all local news and events on the East Coast. So, subscribe to our email newsletter or follow us on social media to stay plugged into the news that matters to you and your business.

May 2, 2022May 6, 2022 By CWCBExpo

May 2022 Regional Cannabis News: NJ Sales Begin, is NYC Next?

Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers a convenient roundup of the biggest cannabis news stories and hemp headlines emerging across the nation. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to get the most recent edition when it’s published.

As state-by-state legislation continues to evolve on a daily basis, it can be tricky to keep up with what’s going on in your area. Adult-use laws and licensing programs are among the most critical topics to watch as you build out your plans for participating in this industry.. Read on to learn more about some of the most significant developments in New Jersey, New York, and the northeast region in May 2022 and how they may affect your business or plans to operate in these states.

Adult-use sales officially begin in NJ

Nearly two years after the passage of adult-use cannabis in New Jersey, dispensary sales have officially begun. Following approval from the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), 12 medical dispensaries started selling adult-use products on April 21st. A thirteenth dispensary opened adult-use sales a week later.

The 12 participating locations opened their doors to 12,438 adult-use cannabis customers for a total gross sale of nearly $1.9 million. Lines began bright and early, with many locations celebrating with music and balloons.

According to a statement from the CRC, lines have remained steady at all the dispensaries, and there have been no substantiated reports of supply problems for medical cannabis patients.

With a current 130,000 medical cannabis patients in New Jersey and an estimated 800,000 potential adult use customers, Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed budget anticipates $121 million in cannabis revenue in the fiscal year 2023.

“This is a historic step in our work to create a new cannabis industry,” Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) expressed in a Tweet.

While only licensed medical cannabis dispensaries can sell to adults, for the time being, hundreds of applications from start-up businesses are awaiting approval from the CRC as well. Under New Jersey’s social equity regulations, applications by those with past cannabis convictions, as well as minorities, women, and disabled veterans, should receive priority consideration.

NYC Mayor pushes for social equity

On April 20th, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced his plans to welcome the cannabis industry to the city, with a particular emphasis on social equity. Mayor Adams proposed a $4.8 million investment to advance social equity and support those most affected by the War on Drugs.

The proposed investment would assist people from minority communities most affected by previous marijuana-related offenses to apply for business licensing and financing within the legal market – a market which, in New York City alone, is estimated to generate close to $1.3 billion in sales in its first year.

“The cannabis industry could be a major boon to our economic recovery — creating new jobs, building wealth in historically underserved communities, and increasing state and local tax revenue,” Mayor Adams said in a statement. “With a new regulated adult-use cannabis market on the immediate horizon, now is the time for our city to make proactive investments to ensure the people disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of these substances can reap the benefits of the new industry.”

In addition to the $4.8 million investment proposal, Adams recently brought the idea of allowing rooftop cannabis greenhouses in public housing to a legislative conference last month.

The proposal will be negotiated with the city council and is expected to be agreed upon this summer.

NYC sales are expected to start this fall

New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB) Chair Tremaine Wright told a public forum on April 23rd that adult-use cannabis products from cultivators with conditional licenses will hit retail shelves as soon as this fall. The announcement comes just two weeks after New York state regulators approved 52 local hemp farmers to begin growing recreational cannabis.

Following through with the CCB’s March 2022 promise, the start of sales will launch the social justice efforts promised when legalization first passed. The first sellers in the adult-use market are guaranteed to be “justice-involved,” or those disadvantaged most damaged by the war on drugs.

“Justice-involved” candidates can apply for licenses as early as summer 2022. Large companies —including those which currently monopolize most of NY’s medical cannabis licenses–, on the other hand, will not be eligible to apply for recreational cannabis retail or cultivation licenses until the end of the year.

Want to learn more about what it takes to obtain a dispensary license? CWCBExpo is running a special workshop on the ins and outs of successfully launching a dispensary on the east coast. This special event will take place during our conference. Register here!

The five-member board approved this decision unanimously to fulfill the intent of the 2021 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which aims to regulate cannabis in the state while promoting social equity and economic development.

“By fall, we should have some products that are ready to be harvested,” Office of Cannabis Management Director Chris Alexander said in a statement to NY Cannabis Insider. “We’ll have the conditional growers, we’ll have the dispensaries online – some of them, at least – and so we’ll have a full supply chain and an active market.”

Staying in the loop

With cannabis laws and trends constantly changing, it’s more important than ever that business leaders and entrepreneurs stay up to date on what’s what. As more states within the Northeast region continue to legalize, resources like our monthly news updates are a convenient and easy way to stay in the know.

Another excellent way to stay in the loop is by connecting with fellow entrepreneurs at in-person and online expos. Our next B2B exposition in the Big Apple is quickly approaching just next month, June 2-4, 2022. Register for tickets here.

April 1, 2022March 20, 2024 By CWCBExpo

What You Need To Know In Regional Cannabis News: April 2022

Although cannabis remains illegal on the federal level, the industry is growing – and thriving – in the states that have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use. From the introduction of state-specific cannabis banking acts to yet another push to start adult-use sales in New Jersey, there’s a lot to know about what’s going on in East Coast cannabis. Read on to learn more about the newest developments.

First New York retail licenses will go to people with past convictions

On March 10th, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that New York’s Cannabis Control Board approved the Seeding Opportunity Initiative, which prioritizes individuals with prior cannabis-related convictions in the licensing process for adult-use cannabis retail businesses.

While it’s still unclear exactly how many total licenses will be available and when they will be awarded, we know that those with prior cannabis charges will be given priority for the first 100 to 200 licenses awarded by the state. To receive priority, an applicant must have a conviction that occurred before the official start date of legalization in the state, which was March 31, 2021. In addition, licensing priority will also be given to entrepreneurs with a parent, legal guardian, child, or spouse who was convicted.

“Creating an initial licensing round that prioritizes these individuals is intended to give them a first-mover advantage that helps them capitalize on what is expected to become one of the largest legal cannabis markets in the world,” Michelle Bodian, co-chair of the hemp and cannabinoids department of the law firm Vicente Sederberg explained in an article in High Times. “It is critical that those individuals and communities most heavily impacted by cannabis prohibition be given an opportunity to participate in this new industry.”

Pennsylvania approves a cannabis banking bill

While support for the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act continues to waver, officials in Pennsylvania are taking matters into their own hands. On March 30th, a Pennsylvania Senate committee approved a bipartisan bill to safeguard banks and insurers against penalizations from state regulators for working with legally compliant medical cannabis businesses.

Written by Sens. John DiSanto (R) and Sharif Street (D), the bill states that a “financial institution authorized to engage in business in this Commonwealth may provide financial services to or for the benefit of a legitimate cannabis-related business and the business associates of a legitimate cannabis-related business.”

It then goes on to note that government agencies could not “prohibit, penalize or otherwise discourage a financial institution or insurer from providing financial or insurance services to a legitimate cannabis-related business or the business associates of a legitimate cannabis-related business.”

“Access to financial and insurance services is essential for operating any business and it is against the public interest to relegate a multi-billion-dollar industry to deal in piles of cash,” DiSanto said to WHTM. “Banking this cash safely in Pennsylvania provides certainty for businesses, is a huge opportunity to grow our economy, and should ultimately lower costs for medical cannabis consumers.”

In addition to protecting the state’s legal medicinal cannabis market, the bill would place pressure on federal agencies to do the same. At the federal level, the SAFE Banking Act has been introduced to Congress each session since 2013. It has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives five times, but never made it to the Senate floor for a vote.

New Jersey Senator plans hearings over sale delays

New Jersey seems to have hit a standstill regarding the start of adult-use sales, and advocates and politicians alike are beginning to feel impatient. It has been nearly 18 months since voters first approved the legalization referendum and NJ Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari (D-NJ) is making his disappointment well known.

On March 29th, Scutari took to Twitter to call the hold-ups “unacceptable” and shared that he will be holding a special legislative committee hearing to look into the delay.

These delays are totally unacceptable. We need to get the legal marijuana market up and running in New Jersey. This has become a failure to follow through on the public mandate and to meet the expectations for new businesses and consumers. https://t.co/roZKoeHWOE

— Senate President Nick Scutari (@SenPresScutari) March 29, 2022

This announcement comes a week after the state decided to halt its initial plan to allow eight medical cannabis dispensaries to begin the sales of adult-use cannabis products as soon as this month.

According to the senate’s press release the oversight hearings will include “an accounting from [Cannabis Regulatory Commission] officials and input from those operating cannabis businesses or waiting to get licensed, as well as others involved in the legal marijuana market.”

“We need to get the legal marijuana market up and running in New Jersey,” Scutari noted in the release. “This has become a failure to follow through on the public mandate and to meet the expectations for new businesses and consumers.”

Stay up to date on the northeast cannabis industry

Until cannabis is legalized federally, laws between states and regions will continue to vary greatly. Although this patchwork of laws can seem daunting, cannabis entrepreneurs can stay in the loop on social, political, and financial changes within the northeast by following our monthly news updates and attending the Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition.

Our B2B expositions are an excellent way to meet industry leaders and stay up to date on trends and changes in your area’s legal market. To attend the next expo June 2nd through June 4th, register for tickets here.

March 4, 2022March 20, 2024 By CWCBExpo

March 2022 Regional Cannabis News: NY, NJ Take Strides Toward Sales

Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers this regional news roundup, highlighting some of the significant developments facing the cannabis industry in the Tri-State area and beyond. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to get the most recent edition when it’s published.

As the cannabis industry evolves on both the federal and regional level, businesses must stay updated with news surrounding trends, policies, and regulations. Since New Jersey and New York are among the most recent states to legalize cannabis, changes are especially rapid in these states. From anticipation of the start of NJ’s adult-use sales to the crackdown on cannabis “gifting” in NYC, there’s a lot to consider in the northeast this month — read on to learn more.

New Jersey dispensary license application portal opens

Dispensary applicant hopefuls in New Jersey can submit their applications this month.

According to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), applications for Class 5 retailers will be accepted on the agency’s website beginning March 15th, 2022, at 9 a.m. Those considering applying for a dispensary license can find many resources on the CRC website, including an application guide.

NJ Gov. Phil Murphy hints at the start of sales

According to an interview with Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ), adult-use cannabis sales in New Jersey could begin within weeks.

Ever since voters first approved cannabis legalization in a November 2020 ballot referendum, there have been many questions regarding when adult-use sales would start. While the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) did not meet their self-imposed deadline of February 22, 2022, Murphy said advocates could expect movement in the adult-use market in the coming weeks. Adult-use sales at existing medical cannabis dispensaries, in particular, are expected to launch as soon as March.

“If I had to predict — I’ve said this before, but I mean this literally in this case — I think we’re within weeks,” Murphy said during his interview on WBGO. “I would hope in March that you’re going to see explicit movement on the medical dispensaries, some number of them being able to sell recreational.”

Any medical dispensary looking to transition into the adult-use market would require local approval.

“They’ve got to prove they’ve got the supply for their medical customers. I hope shortly thereafter, the standalone recreational marijuana operators [will open],” Murphy continued.

New York approves hemp farmers to grow cannabis

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) signed a bill on Feb. 22 to allow hemp farmers in the state to apply for two-year licenses to grow high-THC cannabis.

The law will allow current hemp growers to apply for a conditional adult-use cannabis cultivator license before the official opening of the recreational cannabis market. The legislation includes environmental standards and requires licensees to train people of color, women, disabled veterans, and other social equity applicants.

According to the Associated Press, the new law, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Hinchey (D-Saugerties), is a way for the state to start gearing up supply for what is predicted to be one of the country’s largest legal markets. In addition, the law offers support to hemp farmers, who have struggled since the collapse in hemp prices due to oversupply and regulatory uncertainty following legalization.

While it’s been nearly a year since New York legalized cannabis for adult-use, the legal market currently accounts for just 10 medical cannabis dispensaries.

“The measure will jump-start the safe, equitable, and inclusive new industry we are building,” Gov. Hochul stated in the news release.

New York cracks down on cannabis “gifting”

Following in the footsteps of other states that have legalized adult-use cannabis but not rolled out licenses for retail businesses just yet, some New Yorkers have started offering cannabis as a “gift” to people who make a “donation.” Other entities are positioning themselves as clubs and providing cannabis to paying members. Now, though, the state has issued a warning on these businesses to pave the way for the regulated market.

New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has sent cease-and-desist letters to more than two dozen enterprises, ordering them to stop illegally selling cannabis or face fines, potential criminal charges, and revocation of their prospective licenses.

https://twitter.com/nys_cannabis/status/1491112993807306752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1491112993807306752%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marijuanamoment.net%2Fnew-york-regulators-crack-down-on-businesses-gifting-marijuana-as-state-prepares-to-approve-licensed-retailers%2F

“We have an obligation to protect New Yorkers from known risks and to strengthen the foundation of the legal, regulated market we are building,” Tremaine Wright, Cannabis Control Board (CCB) chair, noted in a press release. “We will meet the goals of the MRTA to build an inclusive, equitable, and safe industry. Therefore, these violators must stop their activity immediately, or face the consequences.”

NJ discusses details of cannabis consumption lounges

Yet another sign that adult-use licenses are on the verge of rolling out, the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) held a public hearing on Feb. 24th to discuss rules and regulations for consumption lounges, and consider what the legal market will look like.

Under New Jersey’s cannabis legalization law, licensed cannabis retailers will have the exclusive opportunity to offer “social lounges” for patrons to consume cannabis on the same premises of their retail location. Given the current restrictions on where New Jersey residents can consume legally, the committee has acknowledged the benefits of licensed consumption lounges, which provide residents with a safe and comfortable space to consume cannabis.

During the Feb. 24th meeting, officials considered aspects such as financial opportunity, public safety and social equity. Kashavan McKinley, an official in Atlantic City, asked that state cannabis regulators consider mass-consumption areas within the city as a way for the state to capitalize on the new market. McKinley touted Atlantic City to be the convention capital of the East Coast and noted that the cannabis industry “will be driven by conventions.”

While there are no set rules for cannabis lounges just yet, we do know that a total of eight New Jersey towns have opted to allow them, most recently South Orange.

Staying up to date on cannabis in the northeast

As cannabis laws continue to change, states must stay up to date on specific advancements or regulations within their area. For any brand looking to make their mark, staying in the loop with trends and changes is absolutely critical. In addition to following our monthly round-ups, local cannabis businesses can stay up to date by attending conferences like the Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition and networking with industry leaders and promising startups.

June 4 - 5, 2025 Javits Convention Center