NJ Cannabis Commission Announces How to Apply for a Dispensary License

The NJ Cannabis Commission announced it would open the application process for marijuana growers, processors, and testing labs starting December 15th, 2021. Additionally, it was announced that dispensary licenses will be open for applications starting March 15th, 2022.

The commission went on to announce that there would be no deadlines to file these applications and they would accept them on a rolling basis. The only licenses that are set to have a capacity limit are cultivation licenses, with only 37 new licenses¹ to be issued until February 2023.

The NJ Cannabis Commission announced in October 2021 that they would award 14 new licenses² to medical marijuana dispensaries, adding 235,000 square feet of space to grow medical marijuana in NJ. These facilities are required to operate as medical dispensaries only for a year before they can apply to grow and sell marijuana to the public.

Although NJ residents voted in favor of the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21+, the state currently only has medical marijuana dispensaries and growers. These dispensaries will be the first to have an opportunity to sell to the public once they certify that they have enough cannabis to meet their patients’ needs and the demand of the public. These dispensaries will also be expected to pay fees to expand their licenses into the recreational market.

Who Can Apply for a License

Any business can apply to receive a dispensary license. The commission announced that applicants that are women, veterans, or minority-owned businesses would receive priority. Additionally, applicants who have been arrested for marijuana-related crimes or are economically disadvantaged due to the disproportionate rates of marijuana arrests will also receive priority.

Stay Up to Date on NJ Legalization with Herban Creative

For more information regarding legalization in NJ and the many steps bringing the state another step closer towards opening a fully functioning recreational market for marijuana users, stay up to date with Herban Creative.

Herban Creative: Networking at Cannabis Creative Conferences

If you’re in the cannabis industry, consider attending a cannabis creative conference. These conferences can provide brands with several key benefits, including the ability to network with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and boost brand awareness.

Keep reading for the benefits of attending cannabis creative conferences and how to maximize your conference experiences.

3 Benefits of Attending Cannabis Creative Conferences

1. Opportunity to Connect with Cannabis Professionals

One of the most significant advantages of attending a cannabis creative conference is connecting and networking with fellow cannabis professionals. These conferences are crawling with opportunities for cannabis-based businesses. Whether you’re looking for partnership opportunities or just looking to gain knowledge of the industry, these conferences will help you develop and grow your brand with the help of other industry professionals.

2. Gaining Inspiration for Your Cannabis Brand

When attending a cannabis conference, you can expect to interact with a whole range of unique individuals and professionals. Between researchers, cannabis professionals, and businesspeople, these conferences allow for the exchange of ideas and inspiration that brands can then implement to increase innovation and growth.

3. Increase Brand Awareness

Another significant advantage of attending a cannabis creative conference is the potential to increase brand awareness. With so many influential members of the industry in one place, this is the perfect opportunity to market your brand to like-minded individuals and get your brand in front of the target audience you need.

3 Ways to Maximize Your Cannabis Conference Experience

Come Prepared

Depending on what cannabis conference you’re attending, there can be a lot going on at once. That’s why it’s imperative to come prepared by understanding the schedule, what sessions you would like to attend, and having a set plan of action. You can also expect to interact with many fellow cannabis professionals, so making sure you have business cards on hand, a notebook for note-taking, and all your devices charged is imperative to have a successful cannabis conference experience.

Be Present

While attending a cannabis conference can be overwhelming due to the many different sessions, events, and people, it’s vital to remain present. If your brand has invested time and money into this conference, it’s essential to stay engaged throughout the critical moments and sessions that you are attending. Make sure to take active notes and “unplug” to ensure you remain completely present throughout the day.

Follow Up

After you’ve attended your cannabis conference, you’ve probably collected a lot of important information from fellow cannabis professionals. Be sure to follow up with these individuals no later than a week after the conference to set your business plans in motion. Keep the conversation going!

Choose Herban Creative

Do you have a cannabis brand that is looking to grow? Consider Herban Creative. We will create an integrated digital marketing strategy aimed at growing your online presence. Contact us today to learn more about our in-house services.

There are 14 New Medical Marijuana Licenses in NJ

After a long-awaited year, there are officially 14 new medical marijuana licenses in NJ. Almost two years ago, New Jersey began the licensing process with nearly 200 businesses applying for licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana. Due to a lawsuit, this process was brought to a standstill for more than a year.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission announced that they would be granting 14 new licenses to New Jersey businesses.

10 New Licenses Set to Grow Marijuana

Among the 14 licenses, ten were granted the ability just to grow and cultivate marijuana. These ten licensees will add 235,000 square feet of space to grow medical marijuana in NJ.

These ten new licenses to grow marijuana went to the following businesses:

• Hillview Med INC.
• CYOURNJ LLC
• GSCC Management LLC
• NJ Nectar Ventures LLC
• Noble Valley Harvest Company
• Green Medicine NJ LLC
• ZY Labs LLC
• The NAR Group Inc.
• Bloom Medicinals of PA LLC
• Garden State Releaf LLC

4 New Licenses Set to Grow, Manufacture, and Dispense Marijuana

In addition to the ten businesses granted to grow marijuana, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission announced that they would be giving vertically integrated licenses to four additional companies. This type of license grants companies the ability to grow, manufacture, and dispense marijuana in NJ.
These four new licenses went to the following businesses:

• Etain New Jersey LLC
• Altus New Jersey LLC
• Holistic NJ LLC
• Greenhouse Wellness

What Happens Next?

While this is the most significant expansion of the marijuana market that NJ has seen, these are licenses for medical marijuana businesses only. Although NJ residents voted in favor of recreational use of marijuana for adults 21+, there is still no set date for licensing recreational companies to begin.

While these fourteen new licensed businesses could eventually sell marijuana to the public, they must first meet the demand for its medical users, pay fees to the state, and serve the medical market for at least one year.

Stay Up to Date with Herban Creative

For more information regarding legalization in NJ, stay up to date with Herban Creative.

Creative Marijuana Marketing to Help Boost Sales

For cannabis brands, digital marketing can be tricky. Due to the cannabis industry being highly regulated, there are many restrictions that businesses need to be aware of, including local and state laws. But that doesn’t mean that boosting brand awareness and making potential sales online is impossible.

At Herban Creative, our digital marketing professionals work around industry regulations to increase your presence and revenue within a growing market. While we can create a valuable digital campaign including SEO, social media, paid search, and email campaigns—there are also several creative marijuana marketing tactics to try.

Creative Marijuana Marketing Tactics

Video Marketing

Videos have dominated the digital marketing space for quite some time and are expected to continue growing. Not only are videos engaging, entertaining, and educational, but they can also increase your SEO. In fact, video drives a 157% increase in organic traffic from SERPs and is one marketing tactic that your cannabis brand should not overlook.

Utilize Retargeting Campaigns

While you may already be familiar with retargeting campaigns, they can be extremely beneficial for your cannabis brand. A retargeting campaign is a form of paid display advertising that uses cookies to anonymously follow people that have already visited your site and serves them ads after they leave your site. Retargeting helps brands get their ads in front of the right audiences to get them to return and convert.

Host Giveaways

It’s no shock that everyone loves free stuff—so hosting a giveaway is another great way to get more people to interact with your brand, especially on social media. While cannabis-infused products may be challenging to distribute depending on your location, there are still ways to host giveaways. Consider giving away gift cards, CBD products, or even branding collateral such as apparel, stickers, etc. This will not only boost online engagement but brand recognition as well.

Create a Rewards Program

Having a loyal customer base is fundamental to having a solid brand. Focusing on your relationship with these customers will boost existing sales and open your brand to possible referral traffic. When customers feel like their business is of value, they are more likely to refer your brand to potential new customers.

Choose Herban Creative

Do you have a cannabis brand that is looking to grow? Consider Herban Creative. We will create an integrated digital marketing strategy that will grow your online presence. Contact us today to learn more about our in-house services.

What You Need to Know About NJ’s Recreational Weed Licenses

Following the August 21st deadline, the NJ Cannabis Commission rolled out its first set of regulations for NJ recreational weed businesses. Businesses will need to obtain a license to grow, process, and sell marijuana. There are currently six classes of recreational use licenses in NJ.

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For more information regarding weed legalization in NJ, stay up to date with Herban Creative.

In 2021, Should You Be Investing in Cannabis Stocks?

Whether you’re new to the stock market, thinking of getting back in, or just interested in learning more about the industry, now is the perfect time to consider investing in cannabis stocks.

By investing in cannabis stocks, you will gain the opportunity to grow your money, protect your wealth from inflation, and gain insight into a relatively new but booming industry.

The Benefits of Investing in Cannabis Stocks

Long Term Growth

The marijuana industry represents a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar industry³. With recreational use marijuana becoming more normalized, and in turn, legalized and the thriving medicinal sector, the market is only expected to continue growing.

Massive Market Potential

As more and more states are moving towards the legalization of recreational use marijuana, the more market potential it will bring. As of 2021, eighteen states⁴ have fully legalized cannabis in the United States. This will bring massive market potential for retailers, growers, and marijuana-based companies.

Diverse Investments

There are a wide variety of investment opportunities in the cannabis sector. Those who want to invest in the legalized part of the industry have the option to invest in medical marijuana products, where others can choose to invest in recreational marijuana stocks, or both.

Cost-Effective Stock Prices

Now is the ideal time to buy into cannabis stocks due to their relatively inexpensive prices. By investing in lower-performing cannabis stocks with a strong balance sheet now, you can set yourself up for long-term growth as the market fluctuates.

Choose Herban Creative

Do you have a cannabis brand that is looking to grow? Consider Herban Creative. We will create an integrated digital marketing strategy that will grow your online presence. Contact us today to learn more about our in-house services.

Weed Legalization NJ Updates: August 21st Decision Revealed

In February 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills that together would launch a marijuana industry in New Jersey. While the signing of these three bills put an end to the long and chaotic process of weed legalization in NJ, there are still heavy restrictions.

The marijuana legalization law signed by Murphy gave NJ cities and towns power to control and regulate the cannabis businesses operating in their area. This includes levying fines on people who use cannabis in public⁵ but they cannot stop users from indulging on private property.

The August 21st Deadline

NJ cities and towns were given a deadline of August 21st, 2021, to either welcome or ban cannabis businesses and limit the number of dispensaries. The deadline stated that if a town or city didn’t pass an ordinance before August 21st, not only would marijuana businesses be allowed to conduct business, but local officials wouldn’t be able to issue a ban for five years. As a result, many towns and cities rushed to prevent cannabis businesses⁶ from operating within their borders.

The Verdict

Since the state-imposed deadline, an estimated 63% of New Jersey towns and cities have voted to ban the sale and business of recreational marijuana, according to an unofficial tally from the New Jersey League of Municipalities⁷. Some local officials have mentioned that these bans will only be temporary⁸ until a more comprehensive set of rules has been laid out.

What Now?

New Jersey’s commission also had the August 21st deadline to determine and regulate rules determining which cannabis business licenses will be available. To meet the deadline, the commission drafted the most critical and pressing regulations⁹ but they will continue to roll out more rules as they become finalized. These rules bring New Jersey even closer to opening dispensary doors for recreational sales.

Stay Up to Date with Herban Creative

For more information regarding weed legalization in NJ, stay up to date with Herban Creative.

4 Things to Remember in Your Dispensary’s Local Marketing Campaign

Dispensaries will be popping up across the tri-state area as recreational marijuana has been legalized. With a gradual shift from secrecy to public affairs, how will customers feel comfortable shopping at your dispensary? Better yet, how will they find it? That’s where dispensary local marketing comes into play.

Here are four commonly asked questions about dispensary local marketing, and crucial factors to keep in mind.

How Do You Market a Dispensary?

Marketing a dispensary takes strategy. Unlike other businesses, there are strict rules to follow when it comes to marijuana advertising. Campaigns may involve digital ads via social media or programmatic display, but digital advertising platforms often flag or outright deny cannabis-related ads. That means organic posting is the way to go when it comes to digital dispensary marketing, such as on social media or through a blog.

When it comes to local marketing, billboards, signage, and local SEO are extremely beneficial.

How Do I Get More Customers to My Dispensary?

By using billboards, signage, and local SEO, you can get more customers to your dispensary.

• A well designed cannabis billboard can use simple messaging to make customers aware of your dispensary and provide useful information, such as location.
• Signage on and around your dispensary will alert drivers and pedestrians passing by to your location. With an eye-catching design, it will stand out and resonate with people.
• Local SEO isn’t commonly thought of, but it’s crucial to any marketing campaign. This includes all online listings of your business, such as your Google My Business profile. With an updated listing, including location, hours, and services, customers can organically find you by search key terms like “dispensaries near me.”

How Can I Make My Dispensary Stand Out

To make your dispensary stand out, consider your dispensary’s branding and website.

• Branding and Packaging Design: With custom branding and personalized product packaging, your products will make a lasting impression on customers and keep your brand at the forefront of their mind.
• E-Commerce Website: Your dispensary should have a UX and UI designed website with e-commerce capabilities, whether that be for delivery services, curbside pickup, or in-store pickup.

Can Dispensaries Advertise on Google?

Dispensaries and cannabis-related businesses cannot advertise on Google through paid channels, such as Pay Per Click. However, dispensaries can advertise organically on Google through SEO. By ranking for keyword searches through page optimization and blog writing, you can still experience a great ROI but over a longer period of time than with paid ads. Utilizing local listings is another way to organically advertise on Google.

Dispensary Marketing with Herban Creative

If your dispensary is ready for a local marketing campaign, contact Herban Creative. We specialize in campaigns for cannabis-related businesses and will create a custom marketing strategy that will drive customers to your dispensary. Our services include website design and development, branding, product photography and videography, product packaging design, SEO, social media management, and email marketing.

4 Reasons to Try CBD for Your Pets

CBD is for everyone—even your pets. But is it just a trend or are there actual benefits? For most of us, we love our pets more than anything, so it’s vital we’re giving them only the best. Here are four reasons pet owners are saying to try CBD for pets.

1. Ease Anxiety: Many pets suffer from anxious tendencies and even separation anxiety. CBD can help to calm and relax dogs and cats.
2. Manage and Relieve Pain: Accidents happen and with them, pain. For our beloved dogs and cats, CBD can help to manage and relieve their pain.
3. Control Seizures: Unfortunately, some pets suffer from chronic seizures. CBD is believed to help ease epileptic symptoms and control seizures.
4. Reduce Inflammation: A dog’s joints can take a toll either over time or due to excessive activity. CBD can help to relieve inflammation and boost recovery.

Of course, it is of the upmost importance to talk to your veterinarian before using pet-friendly CBD products.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs and Cats?

There are no current studies on how CBD affects dogs or cats. However, scientists do know that the cannabinoids within CBD interact with the brain’s receptors and the body’s nervous system to provide calming effects.¹⁰ It also has proven anti-inflammatory properties.¹¹ Due to this research, pet owners believe CBD works for dogs and cats as well.

Additionally, the AKC Canine Health Foundation is sponsoring a study using CBD as a treatment for epileptic dogs and related symptoms, such as seizures, collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, and drooling.¹²

Buying CBD Products for Pets

Before rushing to the store to buy CBD for your pet, consider these crucial factors.

• Products should be organic and avoid pesticides, fungicides, solvents, and additives.
• Do not compromise quality for price.
• Purchase CBD that is certified, third party tested, and contains little to no THC.
• Try CBD oil, which is the most effective form of CBD, to control dosage.

How to Market CBD Products

If you’re looking to market CBD products, for humans or furry companions, contact Herban Creative. We can design and develop an e-commerce site, packaging, and a digital campaign that are as unique as your products.

Creative NJ Marijuana Marketing Agency

What is a marijuana marketing agency? Think of it as any other marketing agency—expect specializing in the marijuana industry. This means navigating and keeping up to date with the ever-evolving national and state laws, regulations, and restrictions. It also means knowing how to reach audiences, boost engagement, drive website traffic, and increase conversions.

If that sounds like something you’re interested in—allow us to introduce ourselves. At Herban Creative, we design and develop websites, create striking branding, and launch integrated digital marketing campaigns for cannabis-related clients.

Marijuana Marketing Services

Website Design & Development

If you need a service-oriented website for your medical dispensary, we can help. Or, if you’re looking to increase e-commerce sales for your CBD brand, we can help with that too. From custom website designs to in-house development, the sky is the limit.

Branding Services

From brand identity and marketing collateral to logo design and messaging, our branding team can help develop a business that resonates with people who will want to buy from you. We can also design intuitive packaging for all products you offer as well as photography and videography services.

Integrated Digital Marketing

Here comes the part that most cannabis businesses find tricky—digital marketing. Lucky for you, you’re reading our blog, which means you’re one step closer to growing your online presence. Our digital marketing services include organic SEO efforts, paid and organic social media, email campaigns, and native advertising.

Our New Jersey Cannabis-Related Clients

We specialize in all things cannabis. This means if your product or service uses THC or CBD, we can help you. We’ve worked with clients who make CBD skincare, CBD supplements, and cannabis-related decorations.

If you’re in need of cannabis marketing, contact Herban Creative online.