tering Cannabis Industry
Jersey Register is finally publishing the CRC ’ s permanent rules for the cultivation , manufacture , wholesale , distribution , sale and delivery of recreational cannabis .
CRC Chair Diana Houenou called it an historic step and said : “ The regulations approved for formal proposal will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs to join this nascent industry .”
“ The rules will help create a market that is competitive , diverse and that puts our core values of equity and safety first ,” said Sam Delgado , the CRC vice chair , who had been a member of the board of directors of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey when he was an executive at Verizon . Delgado went on to say that the new rules “ will ensure that entrepreneurs have access to the market , especially those who have been negatively impacted by cannabis prohibition ; and ensure that consumers and stakeholders can have confidence in safe , well-regulated legal cannabis sales .” ce .
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Legal advice needed
Since the spring the CRC has also approved 102 conditional use licenses for cannabis businesses . Suzan Nickelson , the owner of Holistic Solutions , was the first black female cannabis entrepreneur to receive a license for her dispensary in Camden County .
Jennifer Roselle , co-chair of the cannabis law practice at Genova Burns , where she is also a partner , expects many women entrepreneurs will enter the marketplace . “ We know it ’ s hard to find a place at the table . But this community is very welcoming ,” she said .
Roselle was drawn to the practice because it is an emerging market and presents new and challenging legal questions . She is helping her clients navigate through the regulatory issues .
For instance , she said a company ’ s concerns over an employee ’ s use of medical marijuana has already been examined by the courts and guidance has been well established on the issues . But this same question has not been tested regarding recreational cannabis use . The situation raises issues about privacy , individual rights , and work place safety , to name a few . “ We ’ re dealing with these questions in real-time ,” Roselle said , also adding “ It means being creative and thinking outside the box . But for us lawyers geeks it ’ s a lot of fun .”
New Jersey is well positioned in the industry because it can evaluate other states ’ regulations and implement the best policies , she added .
The attorney expects women entrepreneurs will have a large role in the Garden State ’ s new industry . “ As entrepreneurs we bring who we are to the table and fight for success .”
August 2022 COMMERCE 17