New Jersey Governor Marks ‘Huge Milestone’ For State’s Marijuana Market, With Over 100 Dispensaries Now Open

The governor of New Jersey is marking a “huge milestone” for his state’s marijuana market as regulators announce that more than 100 medical and adult-use cannabis shops are now open across the state.

“When the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission was established, our administration’s goal was to develop a stronger, fairer, and more equitable model for the rollout of an adult-use cannabis market,” Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said in a press release on Wednesday. “Reaching 100 cannabis dispensaries is a huge milestone that shows we are headed in the right direction.”

“As we continue towards our goals for the cannabis market in New Jersey, I am grateful to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission for their dedicated work and leadership on this critical area of our economy,” he said.

The NJ-CRC says exactly 102 cannabis dispensaries have now opened, just under two years since adult-use sales launched.

Jeff Brown, executive director of the commission, echoed the governor’s remarks, saying it is “undoubtedly a major milestone for the NJ-CRC and for the state.”

Of the 102 existing marijuana dispensaries, 40 serve both patients and adult consumers, 12 only serve patients and 50 conduct only recreational sales. The commission also points out that, despite 60 percent of New Jersey municipalities having opted out of allowing cannabis businesses, all 21 counties in the state have at least one type of marijuana operation and there’s at least one dispensary in 20 of 21 counties.

NJ-CRC Chair Dianna Houenou said the commission has been “thoughtful and deliberate about establishing New Jersey’s cannabis market that protects patient access, keeps New Jerseyans safe, and prioritizes equity.”

“It is heartening to see how well the market is thriving while accomplishing those commitments,” she said. “I look forward to seeing more municipalities open up to the industry so aspiring entrepreneurs can find opportunities, patients and consumers have more options to purchase safely, and the industry is strengthened.”

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