On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission will begin accepting applications for personal use (recreational) cannabis businesses in the remaining categories: Class 1 cultivators, class 2 manufacturers, class 5 retailers, and testing laboratory licenses are already available.
In this blog, we outline the latest information from the New Jersey government website about the upcoming license classes that will be available shortly. Contact us if you would like assistance with your application.
New Jersey Cannabis Businesses
License applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until indicated otherwise. Social Equity Businesses, Diversely-Owned Businesses, Impact Zone Businesses, and applications that receive bonus points will be afforded priority review, scoring, and approval.
There is no established limit on the number of cannabis business licenses available statewide.
The Notice of Application outlines:
- Eligibility requirements
- Prioritization processes
- Application requirements and supporting documents
- Scoring rationale
- How approval or denial is determined
How to avoid receiving a cure letter?
A license is never refused by a person or organization that fills out a cannabis business application, provides all necessary paperwork, and satisfies all other conditions. A Cure Letter is sent to incomplete applications, allowing you to correct any problems in your data or supporting materials. The application review process is prolonged by the time it takes to receive and address a cure. The best course of action is never to receive one.
- Review the Notice of Application Acceptance
- Use all the application support material available on the government website below.
- Application Guide
- Application Platform Demo (Video)
- Step-by-Step Cannabis Business Navigator
- New Jersey Webinars
- 10 Ways to Prepare to Submit Your Application
- MSA / FSA
- Social Equity
Please make a list of every document that is needed for your application, then cross them all off to make sure they have been sent in. Make sure every document you upload is readable and clear.
Before you submit your application checklist to avoid cure letters:
Problems with Entity Disclosure Forms (EDF): Disclosure documents must be given to license applicants and affiliated organizations offering managerial or financial support.
Issues with Persons of Interest (POI): Ensuring the accuracy of the procedure requires notarizing and signing the relevant documents, such as the statement of truth and waiver of liability. Furthermore, you must accurately identify the parties and submit their History Disclosure (PHD). Lastly, ensure you finish the PHDs and supply all the information needed.
Issues with tax returns: You must provide us with your most recent federal and state tax returns to finish your application. You must also substantiate any extensions you may have received if you submit taxes from a prior year.
Issues with Government Identity: Make sure the IDs you use are current and valid at the time of submission.
Problems with Business Certification: The certification of diversely owned enterprises must be current on the NJSAVI and in the correct applicant’s name.
Issues with Priority Designation: Your priority status must be appropriately reflected in the documentation. Your application will not be processed quickly if there are any mistakes or discrepancies in the information or supporting materials.
Problems with Business Registration Documentation: The applicant’s name must appear on your formation and business registration documents.
Issues with Financial and Management Service Agreements: You must submit any completed financial or management service agreements for review. Processing delays will occur unless these agreements are raised. Add a Ph.D. to financial individuals’ portfolios and an EDF to financial companies.
Problems with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): It’s essential to check that your plans or SOPs comply with the regulations before submitting them to assure completeness.
Site control issues: Local support in the form of a resolution approved by each area’s local governing body by letter of permission from a zoning official and a signed leasing agreement are required to receive NJ-CRC certification. Make sure that the candidate’s name and location of businesses are mentioned.
How we can help?
At Cannabis License Experts, we provide you with the guidance to plan your cannabis business, acquire funding, navigate the legal requirements, and acquire the appropriate cannabis license for your operations. As the United States and New Jersey specifically develop, more and more licensed producers will be needed to meet the demands of consumers.
Cannabis License Experts offers support from day one of starting your cannabis business, including strategic planning, floor plan preparation, site audits, SOPs, Preventive Control Plans (PCPs), and more.
Our Edibles Compliance division can provide you with a solid plan for your edibles business to help get your products on store shelves.
Contact us today to discover how we can license and legalize your cannabis business to meet federal or provincial regulations.
