How to Apply for an NJ Medical Cannabis Business License Application [5 Steps]
If you are a business owner interested in joining the Garden State’s green rush, you’ll be happy to know there is currently no deadline for application submissions. However, with the line of applications getting longer each day, it’s better to start sooner than later.
Below we’ve listed how to apply for an NJ medical cannabis business license application.
Step 1: Confirm Your Company’s Legitimacy
To officially present a cannabis business application to the state, there are few pre-requisites. We’ve listed them below:
- You must be registered to conduct business in NJ by the Division of Revenue and enterprise Services in the Department of Treasury.
- You must have both state and federal taxpayer-identification numbers
- You must comply with all provisions of J.S.A. 24:6I-31 through 56 and N.J.A.C. 17:30 for license applicants.
- At least one owner in your business that’s listed in the application must have resided in New Jersey for at least two years prior to the date of application.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Cannabis Class
The CRC has catalogued six classes of licenses that future cannabis companies can apply to obtain. There are specific licensing requirements that apply to certain license classes, so make sure you’re applying for the right license. They are the following: Cannabis Grower license, Cannabis Processor license, Cannabis Wholesaler license, Cannabis Distributor license, Cannabis Retailer license, and Cannabis Delivery. Once you’ve determined this, you are one step closer to application time!
Step 3: See if You Qualify for Priority Applications
Does your business qualify for priority application? Well let’s see…
Priority applications boost business opportunities for those in designated target communities, for people with cannabis convictions, and for women, minorities, and disabled veterans. Per the CRC, these three types of cannabis businesses will receive property review and approval in the application process:
- Social Equity Businesses – owned by those who have lived in an economically disadvantaged area of the state or who have convictions for cannabis-related offenses
- Diversely Owned Businesses – women owned, minority owned, or disabled veteran-owned businesses, certified by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury in one or more of the listed categories
- Impact Zone Businesses – located in an Impact Zone, owned by people from an Impact Zone, or employing residents of Impact Zones
If your business falls into one of these categories, congratulations! You can officially acquire a priority application.
Step 4: Begin the Application Process
It’s about time! Applications for cannabis businesses are available at www.nj.gov/cannabis. To start, you must create an account on the Commission’s application submission portal and electronically submit all information and attachments required. No hard copy or paper submissions will be accepted. For an application to be deemed complete and responsive, you must include a complete response to each of the criteria specified, completion and submission of all mandatory information, and have all required fees paid.
Step 5: Choose Between Conditional and Annual Licenses
In order to ultimately cultivate produce, manufacture or dispense cannabis and cannabis material, licensees must apply for either a conditional license or an annual license. Conditional license applications are prioritized over annual license applications to put small business ownership at the forefront. Conditional licenses have a less burdensome application and permit businesses to start the licensing process without having all of its organizational details determined. Conversely, an annual license requires the application to have control of the proposed site, municipal approval, and a detailed business plan at the time of application. This applicant must also submit an operating summary plan that highlights their experience and knowledge of critical aspects of the cannabis industry.
Pro tip: When you’re eligible to apply, we recommend choosing the conditional license. As the path to conversion to an annual license is a lot smoother.
Keep Rollin’ with Herban Creative
We know how excited you are to start your business, and we can match that energy. Our team creates integrated digital marketing strategies to nurture your online presence and help advertise your cannabis business. Contact us today to learn more about our in-house services.
