Full-Service Cannabis Consulting Tailored to New Jersey's Unique Market Needs
Unlock success in New Jersey’s cannabis industry with Catalyst BC—your trusted partner for expert cannabis consulting, seamless cannabis licensing and applications, compliance with New Jersey cannabis law, cutting-edge facility design, and maximizing yield & profit optimization.
Learn about New Jersey Cannabis Laws
New Jersey, the Garden State, is located in the northeastern United States and is known for its rich history, diverse communities, and bustling economy. With a population of over 9 million residents, New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the nation. Its strategic location near major cities like New York City and Philadelphia contributes to its economic vibrancy. Trenton serves as the state capital, while cities like Newark and Jersey City are key hubs for business and culture.
New Jersey boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from sandy beaches along the Jersey Shore to rolling farmlands and vibrant urban centers. The state has a robust economy driven by industries such as pharmaceuticals, finance, and technology. It also holds a prominent place in American history as one of the original 13 colonies and a site of pivotal Revolutionary War battles.
Legal Status of Cannabis in New Jersey
Cannabis is legal in New Jersey for both medical and recreational use. Under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act, patients with qualifying conditions have been able to obtain a medical marijuana card through the New Jersey Department of Health since 2010. Cardholders may purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries and must adhere to possession limits as defined by state guidelines.
Recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older. Under current regulations, adults may possess up to six ounces of cannabis, though personal cultivation is prohibited—ensuring that all cannabis products are acquired through the state-regulated market. The state enforces strict quality and safety standards at licensed dispensaries, and penalties remain in place for unauthorized possession or distribution.
To view a complete New Jersey Legalization Summary, click here.
Catalyst BC, in alignment with New Jersey’s evolving regulatory framework, provides hemp and cannabis cultivators, farmers, businesses, and suppliers with comprehensive seed-to-sale support. Our services include New Jersey cannabis licensing and application assistance, business strategy, financial planning, start-up support, guidance on state cannabis laws, and more.
Book your complimentary New Jersey cannabis consultation now.
Legal Status of Hemp Farming in New Jersey
Hemp farming in New Jersey is legal under the state’s Industrial Hemp Program, established in line with the 2018 Farm Bill. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture oversees the program, issuing licenses to grow, process, and handle industrial hemp. Farmers must adhere to strict THC testing requirements to ensure that hemp crops remain below the federal threshold of 0.3% THC, with any non-compliant crops subject to regulatory action.
New Jersey’s hemp industry emphasizes the production of fiber, grain, and CBD products, while also fostering research and innovation to drive industry growth. Catalyst BC offers resources and expert guidance for growers navigating licensing and operational requirements, contributing to the development of a regulated and profitable hemp market. The state views hemp as a promising crop for economic development and rural revitalization.
Navigating the Complexities of Operating a Cannabis or Hemp Business in New Jersey
The state’s regulated cannabis and hemp markets require a careful strategy to remain compliant with New Jersey’s evolving cannabis laws.
Catalyst BC is the industry leader in Business Strategy, Financial Planning, New Jersey Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Facility Design, Startup Support, Operational Optimization, Genetic Development, and Cannabis Business Turnaround serving the New Jersey cannabis and hemp industries.
Start your journey into the cannabis and hemp industries with a complimentary New Jersey cannabis consultation today.
New Jersey Cannabis Application Guide
New Jersey Cannabis Laws and Regulations
To start your journey in the cannabis industry, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with New Jersey’s cannabis laws and regulations. Consider bookmarking the pages below and refer to them often to stay up to date.
Key resources include:
- New Jersey Legalization Summary
- New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM)
- New Jersey Adult-Use Cannabis Rules
- Notice of Application Process
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) oversees the adult-use cannabis program, including issuing licenses and ensuring compliance with state laws. Staying updated on their guidelines is crucial for a successful application.
Each business requires a license, which must be active and in good standing, to perform any commercial cannabis activity, including:
- Growing cannabis plants
- Storing cannabis and cannabis products
- Making cannabis products
- Transporting or delivering cannabis and cannabis products
- Selling cannabis and cannabis products
- Testing cannabis and cannabis products
Types of Adult-Use Cannabis Licenses in New Jersey
The CREAMM Act established six (6) classes of licenses for recreational use licensed businesses, described below. Applicants will also be able to can apply for a temporary conditional permit, which allows a business to lawfully act as a cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, or delivery service while the business works towards meeting the requirements for a full license. The CRC may also develop an option for a testing service license.
To determine the license type best suited to your intended business, speak to one of our New Jersey cannabis consultants for guidance.
| Recreational Use Licenses | Authorized Activity |
| Class 1 Cannabis Cultivator | Grow recreational use cannabis |
| Class 2 Cannabis Manufacturer | Produce recreational use cannabis |
| Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler | Store, sell or otherwise transfer, recreational use cannabis items between cannabis cultivators, wholesalers, or retailers |
| Class 4 Cannabis Distributor | Transport cannabis items in bulk between cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, or retailers within the state of New Jersey |
| Class 5 Cannabis Retailer | Purchase recreational use cannabis from licensed cultivators, manufacturers, or wholesalers and sell those items to consumers in a retail store |
| Class 6 Cannabis Delivery | Transport a consumer’s purchases of recreational use cannabis and related supplies from the retailer to that consumer |
| Conditional license | Begin building out operations for the cultivation, manufacture, dispensing, wholesale, distribution, or delivery of recreational use cannabis while working towards meeting the requirements for a cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, dispensary, wholesaler, distributor, or delivery license |
New Jersey Cannabis Application Timelines (Updated for 2025)
January 2, 2025: Applications open for Social Equity designated retail businesses (owners with cannabis-related convictions or residents of Economically Disadvantaged Areas).
April 2, 2025: Applications open for all other microbusinesses and Diversely-Owned dispensaries (minority-owned, woman-owned, disabled veteran-owned).
July 2, 2025: Applications open for all other Class 5 retail operators.
Fees:
Endorsement application fee: $1,000 total ($200 submission fee + $800 upon approval). Annual licensing fees: $1,000 for microbusinesses and $5,000 for standard businesses.
CONSUMPTION AREA ENDORSEMENTS: The Licensing portal will begin accepting applications for consumption area endorsements on January 2, 2025.
To ensure all deadlines are met, speak with a New Jersey cannabis consultant today for support in fulfilling the time-sensitive requirements.
New Jersey Cannabis Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the designated application portal. Municipal approval is required as part of the approval process.
Review the Notice of Application Acceptance for all requirements and rules.
License applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until indicated otherwise. Social Equity Businesses, Diversely-Owned Businesses, Impact Zone Businesses, and applications that receive bonus points will be afforded priority review, scoring, and approval.
Recreational cannabis businesses may integrate vertically. Vertical integration allows operators to hold any combination of a cultivator license, a manufacturer license, a retailer license, and a delivery service license simultaneously or hold a wholesale and a distributor license simultaneously. All recreational license holders can have only one business in each class.
There is no established limit on the number of cannabis business licenses available statewide.
The Notice of Application outlines:
- Eligibility requirements
- Prioritization processes
- Application requirements, including a list of necessary forms and supporting documents
- Scoring methodology
- How approval or denial is determined
Navigate the New Jersey cannabis application process with confidence. Start your journey by speaking to our New Jersey cannabis consultants for expert guidance.
Avoiding New Jersey Cannabis Application Cure Letters
No person or entity that completes a cannabis business application, submits all the required document, and meets all requirements is denied a license. Incomplete applications receive a Cure Letter – an opportunity to fix errors with your information or documentation. The time it takes to receive and respond to a cure extends the application review process. It is best to avoid receiving one at all.
- Review the Notice of Application Acceptance
- Utilize all the application support material available on the state’s official website.
- Make a list of all the documents your application requires and then check it off to ensure they have all been submitted.
- Ensure that all the documents you upload are clear and legible.
- If you are applying as a Social Equity applicant, be sure to sign and submit a Social Equity Attestation.
The Most Common Reasons for Cure Letters (Things to check before submitting an application)
- Entity Disclosure Form (EDF) Issues: It is essential to provide disclosure forms for license applicants and any related entities providing financial or management support.
- Persons of Interest (POI) issues: Signing the necessary documents, including the statement of truth and waiver of liability, and having them notarized is an essential step to ensure the accuracy of the process. Additionally, you must correctly identify the people involved and provide their Personal History Disclosure (PHD). Finally, ensure you provide all the requested data and complete the PHDs.
- Tax Return issues: To complete your submission, you must provide us with your latest state and federal tax return. If submitting returns from a previous year, you must also provide proof of any extensions obtained.
- Government Identification Issues: Ensure you use valid government IDs that is current at the time of submission.
- Business Certification Issues: Diversely-owned businesses’ certification must be up-to-date on New Jersey Selective Assistance Vendor Information (NJSAVI) and in the name of the correct applicant.
- Priority Designation Issues: The documentation must accurately reflect your priority status. Any errors or inconsistencies in the information or documentation will delay the processing of your application.
- Business Registration Documentation Issues: Your formation and business registration certificates must be in the applicant’s name.
- Financial and Management Service Agreement Issues: If you have agreements for financial or management services, it is essential to submit them for review once they are finalized. Failure to submit these agreements will result in processing delays. Include an EDF for financial entities and a PHD for financial individuals.
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Issues: Before submitting your plans or Standard Operating Procedures, it’s crucial to refer to the regulations and verify that they are compliant to ensure completeness.
- Site Control Issues: To obtain NJ-CRC approval, you must have local support in the form of a resolution signed by the municipality’s governing body, zoning approval in the form of a letter of approval from a zoning official, and a signed lease agreement. Ensure that the applicant’s name and business location is mentioned in the documents.
Applicants who receive a cure letter should, as quickly as they can, make the necessary corrections on the licensing platform, submit any requested paperwork, and resubmit their application. Your application will still be reviewed based on its priority. If, for example, you’re a social equity applicant for a microbusiness license and your application is rejected, your resubmitted application will be placed at the end of the highest-priority list, not at the end of the overall queue.
Remember, the NJ-CRC accepts applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to beat. Getting your application done right the first time by working with Catalyst BC’s New Jersey cannabis consulting team is the fastest way to your cannabis business license.
Fees for New Jersey Cannabis Applications for Licensing
Fee Schedule as PDF – Effective November 20, 2024
| APPLICATION & CERTIFICATION FEES | ||||
| Conditional License Applicant | Annual License Applicant | |||
| Standard Business | Microbusiness | Standard Business | Microbusiness | |
| Application Submission Fee | $200 | $100 | $400 | $200 |
| Application Approval Fee | $800 | $400 | $1,600 | $800 |
| Conditional Conversion Submission Fee | $200 | $100 | n/a | n/a |
| Conditional Conversion Approval Fee | $800 | $400 | n/a | n/a |
| Cannabis Consumption Area Endorsement Application Submission Fee | $200 | |||
| Cannabis Consumption Area Endorsement Application Approval Fee | $800 | |||
| Testing Laboratory Application Submission Fee | $400 | |||
| Testing Laboratory Approval Fee | $1,600 | |||
| Expanded ATC Certification Fee | Medical Cannabis Cultivator Expansion – $400,000 Medical Cannabis Manufacturer Expansion – $300,000 Medical Cannabis Dispensary Expansion – $100,000 Vertically Integrated ATC with 1 dispensary – $800,000 Vertically Integrated ATC with 2 dispensaries – $900,000 Vertically Integrated ATC with 3 dispensaries – $1,000,000 | |||
NOTE: Submission fees are due at the time an application is submitted. Approval fees are due upon Commission approval for licensure to operate. Applicants who are denied approval for licensure are not required to pay approval fees. Expanded ATC Certification Fees are due upon Commission approval of the ATC‘s expansion.
| LICENSING FEESΔ | ||
| Standard Business | Microbusiness | |
| Class 1 Cannabis Cultivator† | Tier I – $5,000 Tier II – $10,000 Tier III – $20,000 Tier IV – $30,000 Tier V – $40,000 Tier VI – $50,000 | $1,000 |
| Class 2 Cannabis Manufacturer‡ | Up to 10,000 sq ft – $20,000 More than 10,000 sq ft – $30,000 | $1,000 |
| Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler | $10,000 | $1,000 |
| Class 4 Cannabis Distributor | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| Class 5 Cannabis Retailer | $10,000 | $1,000 |
| Class 6 Cannabis Delivery Services | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| Cannabis Consumption Area Endorsement Initial or Renewal Licensing Fee | $5,000 | $1,000 |
| Testing Laboratory Licensing Fee | $4,000 | |
Δ Licensing Fees are due upon application approval and each year thereafter when submitting a renewal application. The licensing fee for the first year of operation is reduced by the amount paid in application submission and approval fees.
Example: The licensing fee for a Testing Laboratory in the first year would be $2,000 ($4,000, less $400 for application submission fee and $1,600 for application approval fee). In the second year and every year thereafter, the Testing Laboratory would pay $4,000 for the licensing fee.
† Cultivator Licensing Fees apply to all cannabis businesses with a Class 1 Cannabis Cultivator License, including microbusinesses and Expanded ATCs:
Tier I = Mature cannabis plant grow canopy area greater than 2,500 sq ft but no more than 10,000 sq ft
Tier II = Mature cannabis plant grow canopy area greater than 10,000 sq ft but no more than 25,000 sq ft
Tier III = Mature cannabis plant grow canopy area greater than 25,000 sq ft but no more than 50,000 sq ft
Tier IV = Mature cannabis plant grow canopy area greater than 50,000 sq ft but no more than 75,000 sq ft
Tier V = Mature cannabis plant grow canopy area greater than 75,000 sq ft but no more than 100,000 sq ft
Tier VI = Mature cannabis plant grow canopy area greater than 100,000 sq ft but no more than 150,000 sq ft
‡ Refers to the square footage of the entire cannabis business premises, not solely the area in which manufacturing or processing is taking place.
| CHANGE FEES (due at the time the change application is submitted) | ||
| Standard Business | Microbusiness | |
| Location Change* | $10,000 | $1,000 |
| Facility Capacity or Physical PlantChange** | $2,000 | n/a |
| Majority Ownership Change*** | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Microbusiness Conversion ApplicationSubmission Fee | n/a | $200 |
| Microbusiness Conversion ApprovalFee | n/a | $800 |
* Location Change fees apply any time a cannabis business seeks to move the location any of its licensed premises. If a cannabis business has more than one facility or licensed premises, the license-holder must pay the change fee for each facility or premises that will be relocated.
** Facility Capacity or Physical Plant Change fees apply any time a license-holder seeks to change or modify the cannabis business’ cultivation capacity and move to a different cultivation production management tier. Microbusiness that are converting to a Standard Business do not incur a Facility Capacity or Physical Plant Change fee; after conversion, such businesses will be subject to the licensing fee for a Standard Business of their class.
*** Majority Ownership Change fees apply any time a license-holder seeks to transfer more than 50% of ownership interest in the license-holder to another person or entity.
| OTHER FEES | |
| Cannabis Business Identification Card Issuance Fee (including replacement cards) | $25 |
| Background Investigation Fee | Financial Source – $1,000 Management Services Contractor – $1,000 For each owner or principal of a cannabis business or testing laboratory – $250 per person Conditional license applicants, conditional license-holders, andSocial Equity Businesses are exempt from these fees. |
Before You Apply for a New Jersey Cannabis License
Before you apply, decide what kind of business you want to establish:
- Cultivator – grow cannabis
- *Manufacturer – produce cannabis goods
- *Wholesaler – store, buy and/or sell bulk cannabis and cannabis products
- *Distributors – transport bulk cannabis and cannabis products
- Retailer – purchase cannabis and cannabis products from licensed cultivators, manufacturers, and/or wholesalers for sale to consumers in a retail store
- *Delivery – transport retail purchased cannabis and cannabis products to consumers
- Diversely-owned business – certified minority-owned, woman-owned, disabled veteran-owned
- Social Equity business – owned by people who have lived in an Economically Disadvantaged Area
- Impact Zone business – located in an Impact Zone, owned by people from an Impact Zone, or employing residents of Impact Zones
- Conditional License – interim status that gives applicants 120 days to find site, secure municipal approval, and apply for conversion to annual license
- Microbusiness – 10 employees or less and 2500 square feet or less of operation space
- Look into the municipal regulations regarding cannabis business where you intend to establish your business
- Determine whether you qualify as a priority applicant
- Check off all the items on the pre-application check list
- Read through the Application Guide and review the Application Platform demo video.
Set up a complimentary New Jersey cannabis consultation for licensing and application assistance.
*Recreational cannabis businesses
New Jersey Cannabis Licensing Priority Applicants
To promote equity, New Jersey prioritizes applications from:
- Social Equity Businesses—Owned by individuals from Economically Disadvantaged Areas or those with past cannabis-related convictions.
- Diversely Owned Businesses—Minority, women, or disabled-veteran-owned businesses certified by the state.
- Impact Zone Businesses—Located in areas disproportionately affected by prior cannabis enforcement.
Meeting these criteria can significantly improve your chances of winning a license. To best prepare for the social equity application process and for additional assistance, schedule a call with Catalyst BC’s New Jersey cannabis consulting team today.
Required Forms for New Jersey Cannabis License Applicants in Addition to the Online Application
- Personal History Disclosure for all persons of interest
- Entity Disclosure Forms for the license applicant entity and any entities of interest on the application
- Signed affidavits, releases, and waivers completed by an individual authorized to sign on behalf of the license applicant
- Social Equity Business attestation, if seeking to apply as a Social Equity Business
All application support documents must be submitted electronically via the New Jersey Adult Use Licensing Application System. Always retain document originals in case they are requested by the CRC.
Navigate the New Jersey cannabis application with confidence. Start your journey by speaking to our New Jersey cannabis consultants for expert guidance.
New Jersey Cannabis License Funding Plan Requirements
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 17:30-7.10, applicants for annual cannabis licenses must submit a business and financial plan as part of the license application process.
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 17:30-7.3, applicants for conditional cannabis licenses are required to submit a list of any proposed financial sources but are not required to provide a financial plan at the time of application.
For cannabis financial planning assistance in New Jersey, schedule a call with the Catalyst BC consulting team to get started.
New Jersey Pre-License Facilty or Property Requirements
Best Practices in Completing a New Jersey Cannabis License Application
Securing a cannabis license in New Jersey is a complex process, but with the right strategy and support, success is within reach. From navigating regulations to crafting high-scoring applications, our team at Catalyst BC is here to help you achieve your cannabis business goals.
Contact our cannabis consultants today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward launching your New Jersey cannabis business.
Free eBook: Starting A Legal Cannabis Business
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Other Services
Business Strategy
Collaborative efforts to create a personalized and comprehensive business and operational plans tailored to your market, resources, and vision.
Financial Planning
Strategy and creation of a bespoke financial model based on historical inputs specific to selected corporate structure, facilities, and market conditions.
Licensing & Applications
Catalyst has secured over 57 licenses in merit-based and highly competitive application and RFP processes with a win rate of nearly 96%
Facility Design
Design-assist aligns designs and calculations with proven methods, equipment, and systems successfully used in world-class facilities.
Startup Support
Proven expertise and track record of supporting licensed and conditionally licensed businesses from build-out to operational excellence.
Genetic Development
Design and implement propagation and breeding programs that produce unique and proprietary cultivars that maximize productivity and profitability.
Business Turnaround
Our team brings over 60 years of regulated cannabis industry experience, expertly assessing situations, crafting strategies, and achieving client goals.
Operational Optimization
Catalyst's team of experts provides guidance and support for all types of cannabis business, including cultivation, retail, extraction, distribution, and delivery
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