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NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission approves bylaws changes, multiple license actions and an $8,000 penalty; denies two retail storage waiver requests
Summary
At its April 3 public meeting, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved amended bylaws, granted nine ownership transfers, approved license conversions and renewals, denied two retail storage waiver requests, and imposed an $8,000 fine on The Garden Society LLC after a self‑reported badging violation.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission on April 3 approved a package of governance and licensing actions, denied two requests to change retail storage rules and imposed an $8,000 penalty on a licensee for a badging violation.
Chairwoman Wayne opened the resumed public session and led the Commission through routine business before the board approved proposed amendments to the agency bylaws. Vice Chair Delgado introduced changes to quorum language and creation of an "Underage Deterrence and Prevention Fund Committee" to recommend how money in that account should be spent; the motion carried with all commissioners voting yes.
The Commission approved nine ownership‑change applications for listed entities after staff reported each had satisfied regulatory review and required investigations. Acting Executive Director summarized the transfers and recommended approval; the board moved, seconded and recorded unanimous votes to grant the transfers.
On licensing, the board approved four conditional‑to‑annual conversion applications (three retailers, one wholesaler) and accepted seven annual license applications (three manufacturers, one retail, three cultivators) after staff reported completeness, investigations and scoring had been completed. The Commission also approved 14 annual license renewals that staff recommended be renewed for another year.
Two expanded alternative treatment center (ATC) certification requests were approved: Columbia Care was approved to expand into the adult‑use market, and GSCC Management LLC was approved to expand operations; Commissioner Nash recused from the GSCC vote because of an ongoing professional relationship.
The board considered two waiver requests (WR012 and WR013) from Treehouse Co‑Op Dispensary and Green Wilderness Haven asking to allow retail storage of cannabis merchandise behind the sales counter. Chief Counsel explained the three statutory factors governing a waiver under the Commission’s regulations (necessity to achieve the Act’s purpose, necessity to provide access, and no danger to public health or safety). Commissioners cited photos showing open shelving and security concerns and voted to deny both waivers.
The Commission also considered enforcement case investigation 20724 involving The Garden Society LLC, which self‑reported employing an unbadged worker who sold unregulated product to other employees. The board voted to impose an $8,000 penalty, reduced from a $10,000 starting point in recognition of self‑reporting and corrective actions taken by the company.
The meeting concluded after an extended public comment period during which members of the public raised issues ranging from lab testing accuracy and hemp‑derived products to complaints about the Commission’s recent interpretation regarding vertical integration for micro businesses. Commissioners acknowledged the public comments and said staff will work through legal and policy questions and provide follow‑up.
The Commission announced that written comments on today’s meeting are accepted through 5 p.m. April 4 via the agency website. The board adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
