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Retailers ask for employee-count flexibility; hemp growers raise enforcement, threaten litigation
Summary
During public comment the commission heard a retailer ask to allow full‑time equivalents for microbusiness employee rules and a representative of New Jersey hemp growers complain about a psychoactive-hemp ban and warn of lawsuits; speakers expressed both gratitude and frustration with the licensing process.
The public-comment period at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission meeting brought two recurring themes: retail operators asking policy flexibility for microbusiness staffing requirements and hemp growers accusing regulators of failing to enforce hemp-related restrictions.
Andrew (Andy) Zeitlin, chief operating officer of Canopy Crossroad a class 5 retailer in Red Bank, said microbusiness rules that require a flat employee count are impractical for small retail stores and urged the commission to allow counting full‑time equivalents. "If we had the flexibility to have 10 full time equivalents, then we would be able to manage our schedules much better with the people we have," Zeitlin said, adding that many employees want part‑time schedules.
Leron Jones, founder and managing partner of Mr. Jones Dispensary in Little Falls, thanked the commission for its process but said being pulled from an agenda five days before a meeting had been frustrating for operators trying to open doors and serve local customers.
A separate and more heated comment came from Thomas Norcia of GrowWorks and the New Jersey Hemp Growers Association, who criticized the state's approach to psychoactive hemp and alleged some operators were bringing product across state lines into the adult-use market. Norcia said growers organized through the hemp program feel punished while other operators exploit loopholes and warned of immediate legal action: "I will be the first lawsuit within 24 hours," he said. The chair later cautioned Norcia to avoid profanity while speaking.
Why it matters: Zeitlin's request would change how microbusiness staffing compliance is measured and could affect small retailers' operational models; Norcia's claim points to unresolved tension between the hemp program and adult-use enforcement and a potential legal challenge.
Commission response and next steps: Commissioners and staff did not record substantive policy replies to the requests during the meeting; staff continued to accept written comments through the published deadline. The chair reminded speakers to avoid profanity so the public transcript remains accurate.
Public comment excerpted: - Andy Zeitlin, COO, Canopy Crossroad: "The idea of all employees in the cannabis industry are full time is not realistic...If we had the flexibility to have 10 full time equivalents, then we would be able to manage our schedules much better." - Thomas Norcia, GrowWorks / New Jersey Hemp Growers Association: "I will be the first lawsuit within 24 hours" if hemp-program grievances are not addressed.
The commission adjourned after the public-comment period and will continue to accept written comments through the posted deadline.
