Want To Run A NJ Weed Dispensary? Now's Your Chance

TRENTON, NJ — If you're a budding or seasoned entrepreneur interested in operating a cannabis dispensary in New Jersey, now is your chance: The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is officially accepting applications.

According to a news release from state officials, applications are now open for those wishing to become legal weed retailers. The process opened nearly a year-and-a-half after New Jersey voters opted to legalize marijuana in the state.

By 4 p.m. Tuesday, more than 170 applications had been filed.

In a statement, CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown said many of the applicants made their accounts in December and waited until Tuesday to formally submit their applications. Applications from marijuana growers, manufacturers, and testing laboratory operators opened up on Dec. 15, the Asbury Park Press reported.

"We did not see the flurry of new accounts being set up today as we did on Dec. 15," Brown said in a statement. "What we saw were applicants who were already familiar with the system and ready to apply."

There is no deadline for applications to be submitted. There also is no cap on the number of licenses the commission can award to other businesses, including retail dispensaries, the Press reported.

According to officials, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Under the CRC’s rules, applicants who meet a series of equity and inclusion criteria will be prioritized in their review and scoring. These include businesses owned by people with past cannabis convictions and those from designated economically disadvantaged areas. It also includes minority-owned, woman-owned and disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Learn about applying for a license here.