Montclair Dispensary May Eventually Sell Recreational Marijuana

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A medical marijuana dispensary in Montclair has plans to eventually start selling recreational cannabis to the public, possibly by the end of 2022.

On Monday, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) approved applications from seven medical marijuana companies who want to expand into the recreational cannabis business. Once they pass inspections and are issued licenses – possibly within a month – the companies will be able to conduct retail sales to the general public at 13 dispensaries across the state. Read More: NJ Legal Marijuana Sales Could Start Soon; Board Approves Applications

Among them is Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. (AWH), which currently operates two of the state's 23 medical dispensaries.

The company said its flagship location in Rochelle Park will be among the initial 13 facilities approved to sell recreational cannabis. It expects to be able to sell adult-use cannabis products at its Montclair location later this year, after the town finalizes its plans for adult-use sales.

Ascend Wellness plans to open a third New Jersey dispensary in Fort Lee by the end of 2022. It is also approved by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission to begin adult-use cultivation and manufacturing operations at its Franklin facility, which includes 16,000 square feet of canopy that will reach 100,000 square feet by year-end 2023.

Ascend Montclair Dispensary, formerly known as Greenleaf Compassion Center, was the state's first medical marijuana dispensary to open in 2012. It was purchased by AWH in 2020, and is located at 395 Bloomfield Avenue.

“It is an honor to be part of the inaugural group of cannabis businesses building the foundation for New Jersey's adult-use market,” founder and CEO Abner Kurtin said. “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.”

In anticipation of growing consumer demand, AWH has enhanced local hiring initiatives and plans to create new jobs throughout New Jersey, the company said.

• See related article: West Orange Marijuana Entrepreneurs Offer Tips For Job Seekers

Recently, a group of 22 employees who work at the Montclair facility formed a union and ratified their first work agreement. The bargaining unit – which consists of customer service representatives known as budtenders – marks the first time that employees of Ascend will be protected by a union contract.

• Read More: Workers At Montclair Medical Marijuana Dispensary Form Union

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