At a venue overlooking the ocean, eager New Jersey cannabis entrepreneurs turned out in numbers for the chance to engage in serious business networking and gain insights from the state’s leading agencies tasked with launching and expanding the legal weed market.
Before the commission was launched in April of 2021, the state had less than 12 medical dispensaries. Now, there areHouenou noted, however, there still remains three main barriers preventing cannabis businesses from becoming operational in the state: delays with site control and real estate, municipal approval delays and lack of sufficient funding.
In response to the criticism the CRC has fielded concerning its processes, Kelly Anderson, the CRC deputy executive director, said they are a brand new agency that’s “building the plane as we’re flying it,” asking for patience from eager operators in the space. Megan Tagliaferri, The NJEDA and NJBAC announced they are offering upcoming opportunities tailored to aid diversely owned businesses.