NEW JERSEY METRC AND CANNABIS CULTIVATION

Is Medical Marijuana (MMJ) legal in New Jersey?

Yes. On January 18, 2010, The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) passed legalizing the medical use of marijuana for qualifying New Jersey patients. This allows qualified patients to receive orders from a qualified health care professional to order up to 84 grams or its equivalent in a 30-day period. These orders can be filled at an Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) or licensed dispensary across the state.

Is Recreational Cannabis legal in New Jersey?

Yes. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization ACT (CREAMM Act) was approved on February 22, 2021 and adopted August 12, 2021. The CREAMM Act allows individuals over 21 years of age to purchase and possess up to the equivalent of 28.35 grams or 1 ounce of usable cannabis.

Cultivation Tiers Defined:

In New Jersey the tiers for cultivators are defined as follows:

• 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

Restrictions:

Until February 2023 vertical integrators will not be allowed in New Jersey. A license holder can hold both a cultivation and manufacturing license, however, they are not able to obtain any other license types. This is expected to change in February 2023, when the CRC can choose to allow multiple license types.

Associated Costs

New Jersey Cultivation License Cost

The license application fee for standard recreational growers and processors ranges from $5,000 to $50,000. The license application fee for dispensaries is $10,000. These fees are due upon application and each year they are renewed. For a complete fee schedule, see here. The CRC is not currently accepting applications for medical cannabis permits.

In addition to standard licenses, New Jersey allows Microbusiness, which meet specific size requirements, to become licensed for only $1,000 annually for each license type. Microbusinesses are included in New Jersey's priority application process, which also includes Social Equity, Diversely Owned and Impact Zone businesses. 

New Jersey Cultivation Fee Schedule