In many states, marijuana laws are often changing quickly and unpredictably. Such a legal landscape may be challenging for those who wish to start up marijuana-related businesses, such as dispensaries. A good grasp of New Jersey laws on marijuana entrepreneurship could be essential to ensuring the business stays on the right track and in compliance with legislation.
Since states often have different laws regarding marijuana ownership, use, and sales, entrepreneurs may not have a clear path regarding how to start up their business. Any individual needing assistance may benefit from calling a knowledgeable marijuana possession lawyer. A skilled attorney could provide legal advice on how best to start a business involving marijuana and keep it in line with applicable regulations.
Owning and Operating Marijuana-Related Businesses in New JerseyCurrently, New Jersey’s laws on marijuana entrepreneurship permit operation of specific marijuana-related businesses. Only alternative treatment centers may legally sell marijuana, and only then to qualifying individuals for medical purposes. Each treatment center must typically be pre-approved by the state department of health, according to N.J.R.S. §24:6I-7.
According to the health department’s website, they are currently not accepting applications to open additional treatment centers. However, that might change in the future if there is an increased demand for medical marijuana.
Starting an Alternative Treatment CenterGenerally, only individuals that have never been convicted for a drug-related offense may apply to own an alternative treatment center, according to N.J.R.S. §24:6I-7. The process may entail submitting an application and a fee to the state health department. Within 60 days they should receive either an acceptance or rejection of their application.
Once an individual begins operating an alternative treatment center, they may need to maintain an inventory of medical marijuana. They must also establish a means of growing, cultivating, and harvesting that marijuana for future sales. N.J.R.S. §24:6I-7 generally does not restrict treatment centers to the types of marijuana they are able to grow or inventory.
Treatment centers must also ensure they comply with state regulations involving the inventory and dispensation of medical marijuana. For example, under N.J.R.S. §24:6I-7, they may need to document each sale or pickup of medical marijuana to each patient, including the date and amount dispensed. Treatment centers may also need to provide for adequate security measures, including closed-circuit monitoring, security guards, and other protocols which may apply.
Working at an Alternative Treatment CenterMarijuana entrepreneurs may also choose to work at an alternative treatment center as a means to gain knowledge about how to run a marijuana-related business. Employees of such a treatment center generally have a criminal record free of any drug-related convictions, according to N.J.R.S. §24:6I-7.
In many cases, employees are the individuals responsible for interacting with medical marijuana users and ensuring their marijuana is dispensed properly and accurately. As a result, individuals may benefit from learning how to properly verify patient documentation, record or copy such documentation, and file the information in case it is needed in the future.
Employees may also learn how to grow or cultivate different strains of marijuana, as well as how to create different forms of medical marijuana, such as topical creams. Such knowledge may be valuable for future marijuana entrepreneurs.
Importance of Comprehending New Jersey Laws on Marijuana EntrepreneurshipIf a person is interested in starting a marijuana-related business, such as a dispensary for medical marijuana patients, they should be aware of the different laws regulating the use and sale of marijuana. They may also want to understand how to track their marijuana supplies, verify sales, and learn other business-related aspects. Such measures may be important to ensure the business and its practices remain on the right side of the law.
In many cases, business owners need legal assistance in setting up, or running, their marijuana-related enterprise. If facing such a situation, contact a credible lawyer. These attorneys could research different legal options and help you understand the New Jersey laws on marijuana entrepreneurship.