The approval from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission came almost a year and a half after the state overwhelmingly voted in favor of legalizing marijuana. The committee did not set a date for when the facility could start selling pots, but a New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association spokesman said the group believed sales could begin by the end of April. Facilities, called alternative therapy centers, must undergo regulatory review of their operations and obtain new licenses before they can sell their products. Clinics must also have enough product so that the new influx of customers does not affect the access of approximately 130,000 medical marijuana patients in New Jersey to access to the drug. Retail sales will begin at 13 pharmacies operated by seven companies across the state, some of which are a half-hour drive from New York City. The commission estimates that there are approximately 800,000 potential leisure consumers in the state and less than 800,000 “tourism” consumers. In 2019, while fighting for the legalization of marijuana, Murphy had estimated revenues of $ 60 million. AP / Seth Wenig The state expects $ 19 million in revenue in the $ 49 billion budget of Gov. Phil Murphy, which is currently pending in the state legislature. In 2019, while fighting for legalization, Murphy had estimated revenues of $ 60 million. The state has imposed a 6.625% sales tax on marijuana, with 70% of revenue going to areas disproportionately affected by past marijuana-related arrests. Cities can also impose a tax of up to 2%. “These approvals were given on the basis of ATC commitments that we will not see adverse effects on the expansion,” said committee chairwoman Dianna Houenou. “Expanding into the adult use market – with a substantial start in front of new applicants – is a privilege that should not be taken lightly.” New Jersey is the third state on the East Coast after Massachusetts and Maine to fully authorize the sale of cannabis to adults. Christopher Sadowski The committee also approved 34 conditional license applications for growers and manufacturers, bringing the number of conditional licenses approved so far to 102. More than two-thirds of New Jersey voters backed the state referendum on legalizing marijuana. On Monday, it became the third state on the East Coast after Massachusetts and Maine to fully authorize the sale of cannabis to adults. Eighteen states, including the District of Columbia, have legalized recreational marijuana. There are also 37 states, including New Jersey, that have legalized medical marijuana. With Post cables
