Lawrence Township Dispensary May Sell Recreational Cannabis Soon

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Verano, which operates Lawrenceville-based cannabis dispensary Zen Leaf, has received tentative approval to sell recreational marijuana to consumers. This comes after New Jersey approved applications from seven medical marijuana companies to expand into the recreational market on Monday.

Company officials said that the Lawrence Township and Elizabeth location of Zen Leaf will start personal use cannabis sales in a few weeks “following completion of several local regulatory and zoning items.” A company spokesperson said that the company may receive approval to sell in "short order" potentially as soon as next week.

There are three Zen Leaf locations in New Jersey — Lawrence Township, Elizabeth and Neptune. Recreational marijuana sale at the Neptune location maybe a few weeks after the Lawrence location, the spokesperson said.

On Monday, George Archos, Founder and CEO of Verano welcomed NJ’s ruling and said it is a “monumental day” for the cannabis industry.

“The introduction of personal use sales will provide tremendous economic growth, tax revenue, and career opportunities for the benefit of countless New Jersey residents and businesses,” Archos said in a statement. “On behalf of Verano, we are ready to welcome personal use customers alongside our valued medical patients at our New Jersey Zen Leaf dispensaries, where our attentive staff will provide compassionate care and counsel for our visitors for years to come.”

Verano is the sole operator currently permitted to participate in the initial rollout of personal use sales throughout the state’s Central Region, the company said. Other companies who got approvals include Acreage CCF New Jersey, Curaleaf, Columbia Care, GTI New Jersey, Ascend New Jersey, and TerrAscend. They will be able to cultivate cannabis, manufacture cannabis products, and conduct retail sales to the general public.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed to sell recreational cannabis under state law but have to prioritize their patients, who have been complaining about a chronic lack of supply and high prices for years.

Jeff Brown, the executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, said it could be less than 30 days before the companies gain final clearance to sell to the public, although it could possibly take longer, he added.

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