CRC approves multiple license changes and grants staff limited administrative renewal authority

At its April 23 meeting the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved a slate of licensing and certification actions and adopted a motion delegating limited administrative authority to staff for renewals.

Director Ricks reported six ownership-change applications that had been vetted by the Office of Compliance and Investigation and recommended approval; the commission voted unanimously to approve the transfers. The body also approved two location changes and a site-modification request from Lucky Buds LLC to expand canopy up to 150,000 square feet (tier six). Director Riggs presented conversion and certification items: a micro-to-standard conversion for Earth Wellness LLC, two conditional-to-annual conversions (RRB Extraction and Honey Grove), five annual licenses (one manufacturer, four retailers) and two ATC expansions (NJ Leaf and NJ Nectar Ventures) into adult use; the commission approved each recommended item after staff confirmed licensing reviews and municipal/zoning approvals where applicable.

The body approved tranche one of annual renewals (22 renewals) and later considered a renewal for Honorable Plant LLC with Vice Chair Ferraro recused due to an ongoing professional relationship; the commission approved that renewal with Ferraro recused. Chair Laufer then moved and the commission approved delegating authority to staff to manage certain renewals in the same manner as management-service and franchise agreements and to offer administrative extensions in select circumstances; the commission said a public resolution will be posted when ready.

Commissioners repeatedly urged licensees to submit renewal applications at least 90 days ahead of expiration to avoid notices of violation and potential fines.