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.
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.
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals
Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]
How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025
Ongoing economic uncertainty is forcing many companies to make tough decisions, which includes lowering staff levels. The legal landscape on both the state and federal level also continues to evolve, especially with significant changes to the priorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) under the Trump Administration. Terminating an employee is one of the […]
Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know
While filing annual reports may seem like a nuisance, failing to do so can have significant ramifications. These include fines, reputational harm, and interruption of your business operations. In basic terms, “admin dissolution for annual report” means that a company is dissolved by the government. This happens because it failed to submit its annual report […]
Antitrust laws are designed to ensure that businesses compete fairly. There are three federal antitrust laws that businesses must navigate. These include the Sherman Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Act. States also have their own antitrust regimes. These may vary from federal regulations. Understanding antitrust litigation helps businesses navigate these complex […]
Dissolving Your Business: Essential Legal Steps to Protect Your Interests
If you’re considering closing your business, it’s crucial to understand that simply shutting your doors does not end your legal obligations. Unless you formally dissolve your business, it continues to exist in the eyes of the law—leaving you exposed to ongoing liabilities such as taxes, compliance violations, and potential lawsuits. Dissolving a business can seem […]
The Role of Corporate Restructuring in Mergers & Acquisitions
Contrary to what many people think, corporate restructuring isn’t all doom and gloom. Revamping a company’s organizational structure, corporate hierarchy, or operations procedures can help keep your business competitive. This is particularly true during challenging times. Corporate restructuring plays a critical role in modern business strategy. It helps companies adapt quickly to market changes. Following […]
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!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
