The NJ DOH Has Removed the Medicinal Marijuana Program RFA Previously Published on June 3, 2019
The New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) still plans to seek applications for new Alternative Treatments Centers (ATCs) beginning in July 2019. However, it has removed the Request for Applications (RFA) previously published on June 3, 2019. According to a statement on the DOH website, an amended Request for Applications will be posted on July 1, 2019.
Gov. Murphy and Legislature Reach Compromise
As discussed in greater detail in prior articles, both the New Jersey Legislature and Gov. Phil Murphy want to expand the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program. On June 3, the DOH issued a Request for Applications seeking new applicants to operate up to 108 additional ATCs, including up to 24 cultivation endorsements, up to 30 manufacturing endorsements, and up to 54 dispensary endorsements.
The New Jersey Legislature subsequently introduced and passed Assembly Bill 20/Senate Bill 20, which reflects a compromise between Gov. Murphy and the Legislature on key issues. Notably, it transfers medical marijuana oversight from the Department of Health’s jurisdiction to a new five-member Cannabis Regulatory Commission, a move that Gov. Murphy has opposed. It also caps the total number of entities authorized to cultivate medical cannabis at 28 for the first 18 months after the effective date of the bill, which is higher than limits established in prior medical marijuana legislation but less than the recent RFA.
A20 includes several provisions that exempt RFAs published prior to the effective date of the bill. The restriction on vertical integration will not apply to up to four ATCs issued permits after the effective date of the bill pursuant to a request for applications published in the New Jersey Register prior to the effective date of the bill, which will be deemed to hold medical cannabis cultivator, medical cannabis manufacturer, and medical cannabis dispensary permits. In addition, applications submitted pursuant to a previously published RFA will not be subject to the bill’s new application criteria.
New RFA in the Works
Given the exemptions for existing RFAs, it makes sense that Gov. Murphy has yet to sign A20 and is moving quickly to publish a new RFA on July 1. The exact details of the new RFA have yet to be released. However, it is likely that the number of licenses will be less than 108.
The Scarinci Hollenbeck Cannabis Law Group will post an update once the RFA is released. In the meantime, entities that are interested in entering the New Jersey medical cannabis industry can still start your preparations. There are numerous legal, logistical and operational issues that must be addressed, and time is of the essence.
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!
