New Jersey Lawmakers are Currently Working to Finalize Pair of Key Marijuana Bills
After months of debate, marijuana legalization is so close you can almost smell it. New Jersey lawmakers are currently working to finalize the medical marijuana program expansion bill and the adult-use legalization bill, which will be introduced as a package deal. According to Sen. Steve Sweeney, a vote will hopefully take place later this month.
Sen. Sweeney also maintains that he has the votes to pass the pair of bills. “There’s some people that will never support it and there are some people who are just hedging their bets because there’s not a bill to look at,” he said in August.
So, what will be in the final bills? While the points below are subject to change as the bills are finalized, here is what we know:
There will be language in the bills either requiring or setting a goal of issuing 25% of licenses to women-owned, minority-owned, and/or veteran-owned businesses
The bills will call for licenses to be issued to cultivators, processors, and retailers, and may also include language allowing for licensing of wholesalers
There will not be a cap on the number of dispensaries — the number will be decided by regulators
Regulation will be overseen by a cannabis advisory commission made up of five members (three appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the Senate and one appointed by the Assembly)
At least 10% of licenses awarded will be “micro-licenses” issued to businesses that operate at a small scale
Municipalities will still have a great deal of power to restrict or prohibit cannabis operations within their boundaries, and those that allow it will likely tax the operations on a local level
The bills allow for delivery to patients/consumers
Given the above, it seems that the Legislature is significantly broadening the opportunities for those who want to participate in New Jersey’s legal cannabis market, and particularly for those who want to operate on a smaller scale than the current large institutional participants.
The bills will likely be finalized in the next several days and then will be sent to Governor Phil Murphy for review. Then, they will be introduced in the Legislature, debated, and voted upon. The final step is Gov. Murphy’s signature.
The Scarinci Hollenbeck Cannabis Law Practice group will be continuously tracking the status of the bills. We encourage current and prospective members of the New Jersey cannabis industry to check back regularly for updates.
If you have any questions, please contact us
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Dan McKillop, at 201-806-3364.
This article is a part of a series pertaining to cannabis legalization in New Jersey and the United States at large. Prior articles in this series are below:
Disclaimer: Possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of cannabis is a Federal crime and is subject to related Federal policy. Legal advice provided by Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC is designed to counsel clients regarding the validity, scope, meaning, and application of existing and/or proposed cannabis law. Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC will not provide assistance in circumventing Federal or state cannabis law or policy, and advice provided by our office should not be construed as such.
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
