N.J. cannabis commission urged to keep racial equity top priority in legal weed law
Today 8:45 AM
With just over three months left to establish its rules and regulations, New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission listened to dozens of recommendations on ensuring racial and social equity become key to the new legal weed industry.
From entrepreneurs to activists, medical experts to union representatives, people gave lengthy testimonies about their visions for an equitable cannabis industry.
“It is important that we make sure social equity day one is a priority,” said Nadir Pearson, founder of the Student Marijuana Alliance for Research & Transparency. “We know that big corporations will always find a way to enter the market, whenever the opportunity is available.”
N.J.’s powerful cannabis commission meets again, and the public has a lot to say
Updated Apr 22, 2021;
New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission held its second meeting Thursday afternoon, but much about the new legal weed industry remains a mystery.
The new, five-member commission has lots of authority over the cannabis industry and a four-month deadline to set up its regulations. It will determine when sales can start to people 21 and older, recommend how tax revenue be spent and award licenses to dispensaries, growers and more.
As many as 350 viewers tuned in to the meeting at one time Thursday afternoon. The commission did not answer questions, but heard comment from more than 20 people.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission held its second-ever meeting on Thursday, the first time members of the public had their chance to make comments on the state s existing medical marijuana and, eventually, recreational legal weed industries.
Nearly 400 people were logged into the meeting, held via Zoom, and another 100 people sent written comments to the CRC, chairwoman Dianna Houneou said.
Comments from the public were varied: Hightstown Councilwoman Cristina Fowler asked the commission to provide more detailed guidance on the consequences if towns decide to opt out of allowing cannabis businesses to operate.
And a person who identified himself as Cameron Pitt called on the CRC to revoke a cap on the potency of medical marijuana concentrates.
NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission hears public comments at meeting njherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from njherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.