Debra Borchardt
On Thursday, New Jersey state officials announced that legal adult-use sales will begin on April 21.
New Jersey’s Green Light
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission will be issuing licenses to seven alternative treatment centers (ATCs) to begin adult-use cannabis operations, including at 13 retail dispensaries, starting on Thursday, April 21. Individuals 21 years and older will be able to purchase cannabis and cannabis products legally without a medical card.
“This is an exciting time for New Jersey,” said New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission executive director Jeff Brown. “New Jerseyans voted overwhelmingly to have access to adult-use cannabis and it is now here. I am very proud of the work the Commission has done over the past year to open the market. We have been intentional and deliberate to do everything in our power to set the market on good footing to start.”
Green Thumb Industries (OTC: GTBIF), which uses the RISE banner said on Twitter that its dispensaries RISE Bloomfield and RISE Paterson will open next Thursday at 6 a.m.
Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) will be the sole cannabis company currently permitted to initiate personal use sales in New Jersey’s central region on April 21st at its Zen Leaf Elizabeth (117 Spring St) and Lawrence Township (3256 Brunswick Pike) dispensary locations. CEO George Archos said, “April 21, 2022, is a day that will be forever celebrated by New Jerseyans, marking the historic moment when the Garden State’s vote to embrace progress over cannabis prohibition became reality. Thanks to the residents of New Jersey, and the courageous leadership of Governor Murphy, Senator Scutari, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and the countless township and county commissioners statewide, cannabis will realize its full potential to make a lasting, positive impact on the state’s economy and society. On behalf of Verano and Zen Leaf, we are excited and ready to welcome the first personal-use cannabis customers in the great state of New Jersey on April 21st.”
The company also operates Zen Leaf Neptune Township (2100 Route 66), a medical cannabis dispensary that will soon commence adult-use sales, along with a state-of-the-art, 120,000 square foot cultivation, and processing facility in Branchburg.
Acreage Holdings (OTC: ACRHF) said it is aiming to kick off sales at The Botanist Williamstown and The Botanist Egg Harbor that day.
Acsend Wellness (OTC: AAWH) said it wants to begin sales at its Rochelle Park facility. “It is an honor to be part of the inaugural group of cannabis businesses building the foundation for New Jersey’s adult-use market,” said Abner Kurtin, founder and CEO of AWH. “This is a tremendous milestone in our company growth, and we look forward to expanding cannabis access to more residents across the state while continuing to provide our patients with top care.”
He went on to add, “AWH has served thousands of patients since entering New Jersey’s medical market in May 2021, and we are equipped to offer the same affordable and safe cannabis experiences to our growing community of adult-use consumers,” said Frank Perullo, president of AWH. “Our knowledgeable retail team at Ascend Rochelle Park is prepared to welcome consumers at every stage of their cannabis journeys and provide personalized guidance for all lifestyles and preferences.”
