Cannabis Licensing / Regulatory Compliance

In order to cultivate, produce, extract, test, transport and sell cannabis in New Jersey, a business must have the required state issued license.  Currently, only medical cannabis is legal in New Jersey but adult-use is on the horizon.  Applying for, and securing a cannabis license is not only a complex process, but a high-risk endeavor.  Clients may only have one shot at submitting an application, so every effort must be taken to ensure that the application complies with all applicable regulations and clearly demonstrates an ability to run a successful cannabis business.

The attorneys at Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio provide state and local permitting and licensing expertise for medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries, cultivators, manufacturers, producers, edible companies, wholesalers, transportation companies and testing labs.  By understanding the complexities of New Jersey’s licensing procedures, we are able to aggressively guide clients towards establishing cannabis businesses and maintaining positive relationships with state and local governments and regulators.  

Additionally, given our firm’s vast experience with governmental agencies, we are adept at navigating clients through the complex set of regulations that govern cannabis businesses in New Jersey.

Our licensing and regulatory services include:

  • Corporate formation and drafting governance documents
  • Assisting in drafting cannabis business plans and other aspects of business development
  • Preparing cannabis license applications
  • Drafting ancillary policies and documents required for license applications, including:
    • Cultivation, production, manufacturing and dispensary standard operating procedures and operations handbooks specific to local compliance
    • Employee handbooks and Human Resource policies
    • Community outreach plans and diversity policies
    • Data and record keeping policies
    • Regulatory compliance and best practices policies
    • Safety procedures
    • Medical marijuana patient procedures and policies
  • Interfacing with, and connecting clients to, a variety of consultants and professionals to address:
    • Marketing and website design
    • Brand development
    • Architectural design and construction for retail, warehouse, greenhouse and hybrid facilities
    • Security
    • Accounting
    • Governmental affairs and public relations
    • Hiring local talent
    • Other cannabis industry specific services
  • Establishing local support and acting as liaison between clients and local and state governmental officials/agencies

At Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, we pride ourselves in helping our clients craft marijuana license applications that showcase their comprehensive skill sets, best ideas and compelling narratives.

Contact Eric D. Reiser to schedule an appointment to discuss your cannabis business venture or litigation matter.

Cannabis Law Disclaimer 

Please be aware that marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance; possessing, using, manufacturing, distributing, and/or selling marijuana or marijuana-derived products is illegal under federal law notwithstanding the existence of any state law to the contrary. No legal advice given by Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP is intended to provide any guidance or assistance in violating federal law nor will it provide any guidance or assistance in complying with federal law. By reading this overview, you understand there is no attorney/client relationship between you and Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio unless evidenced by an executed legal engagement letter. Although federal policy may, at times, recommend enforcement discretion when a business or individual is in compliance with existing state marijuana law that is deemed to comply with federal enforcement priorities, it is important to understand that compliance with state law does not equal compliance with, confer any immunity from, or provide any shield from prosecution under federal law. At any time, federal and/or state law and policy may change either to enhance or inhibit the cannabis industry.