Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

New Jersey DOH Presses Pause on Medicinal Marijuana Program RFA

Author: Daniel T. McKillop

Date: June 27, 2019

Key Contacts

Back

The NJ DOH Has Removed the Medicinal Marijuana Program RFA Previously Published on June 3, 2019

The New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) still plans to seek applications for new Alternative Treatments Centers (ATCs) beginning in July 2019. However, it has removed the Request for Applications (RFA) previously published on June 3, 2019. According to a statement on the DOH website, an amended Request for Applications will be posted on July 1, 2019.

NJ DOH Presses Pause on Medicinal Marijuana Program RFA

Gov. Murphy and Legislature Reach Compromise

As discussed in greater detail in prior articles, both the New Jersey Legislature and Gov. Phil Murphy want to expand the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program. On June 3, the DOH issued a Request for Applications seeking new applicants to operate up to 108 additional ATCs, including up to 24 cultivation endorsements, up to 30 manufacturing endorsements, and up to 54 dispensary endorsements.

The New Jersey Legislature subsequently introduced and passed Assembly Bill 20/Senate Bill 20, which reflects a compromise between Gov. Murphy and the Legislature on key issues. Notably, it transfers medical marijuana oversight from the Department of Health’s jurisdiction to a new five-member Cannabis Regulatory Commission, a move that Gov. Murphy has opposed. It also caps the total number of entities authorized to cultivate medical cannabis at 28 for the first 18 months after the effective date of the bill, which is higher than limits established in prior medical marijuana legislation but less than the recent RFA.

A20 includes several provisions that exempt RFAs published prior to the effective date of the bill. The restriction on vertical integration will not apply to up to four ATCs issued permits after the effective date of the bill pursuant to a request for applications published in the New Jersey Register prior to the effective date of the bill, which will be deemed to hold medical cannabis cultivator, medical cannabis manufacturer, and medical cannabis dispensary permits. In addition, applications submitted pursuant to a previously published RFA will not be subject to the bill’s new application criteria.

New RFA in the Works

Given the exemptions for existing RFAs, it makes sense that Gov. Murphy has yet to sign A20 and is moving quickly to publish a new RFA on July 1. The exact details of the new RFA have yet to be released. However, it is likely that the number of licenses will be less than 108.

The Scarinci Hollenbeck Cannabis Law Group will post an update once the RFA is released. In the meantime, entities that are interested in entering the New Jersey medical cannabis industry can still start your preparations. There are numerous legal, logistical and operational issues that must be addressed, and time is of the essence.

If you have any questions, please contact us

If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Dan McKillop, at 201-806-3364.

This article is a part of a series pertaining to cannabis legalization in New Jersey and the United States at large. Prior articles in this series are below:

Disclaimer: Possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of cannabis is a Federal crime and is subject to related Federal policy. Legal advice provided by Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC is designed to counsel clients regarding the validity, scope, meaning, and application of existing and/or proposed cannabis law. Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC will not provide assistance in circumventing Federal or state cannabis law or policy, and advice provided by our office should not be construed as such.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2 post image

What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2

Over the past year, brick-and-mortar stores have closed their doors at a record pace. Fluctuating consumer preferences, the rise of online shopping platforms, and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to put pressure on the retail industry. When a retailer seeks bankruptcy protection, a myriad of other businesses are often impacted. Whether you are a supplier, customer, […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2"
The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business post image

The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business

Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business"
Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1 post image

Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1

The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1"
How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business post image

How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business

The bankruptcy legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating financial distress. Understanding current bankruptcy trends can help businesses make more informed and strategic decisions. Corporate Bankruptcy Filings Trending Upwards Bankruptcy filings continued to trend upwards in 2024. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, personal and business […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business"
SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D post image

SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D

In December, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against two privately held companies for failing to file a Form D notice, which is generally utilized for exempt securities offerings. Here, the SEC’s enforcement sends a strong message: compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional and failure to comply can have significant consequences. […]

Author: Kenneth C. Oh

Link to post with title - "SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D"
Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda post image

Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda

On February 14, 2025, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, “New Process for More Efficient, Effective, Accessible and Transparent Case handling.” The Memorandum rescinds nearly all of the Memoranda issued by his direct predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo, setting the […]

Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh

Link to post with title - "Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!

Please select a category(s) below: