As we move further along into 2019, the stage is set for what I expect to be a critical year in the trajectory of New Jersey’s cannabis sector. While specifics remain to be seen, there is little doubt that it will continue to flourish – whether through the passage of recreational legislation, a further expansion of ATCs by the Department of Health (“DOH”) or some combination of the two.

In the spirit of New Year’s predictions, I offered my own in a guest column that appeared in last week’s issue of NJ Cannabis Insider. Among them, I predict that:

• Recreational legislation will pass in 2019, and within the first few months of the year.
• A new commission will be assembled to regulate recreational licensees; while oversight of the state’s medical program will remain with the DOH.
• The DOH will soon announce another Request for Applications (“RFA”) for vertically-integrated licenses, and geography will play a critical role for successful applicants.

I encourage you to read the full article for a closer look at the factors I considered in reaching these predictions.

The next few months will see a flurry of activity in New Jersey’s marijuana industry, whether that is medical, recreational, or both.

Please stay tuned for more updates from CSG’s Cannabis Law Group.