New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said on Wednesday that adult-use cannabis sales in the state could start “within weeks,” NJ.com reports. Murphy’s comments come after the state missed the statutory February 22 deadline to launch the market.
“If I had to predict, we are within weeks – I would hope in March – you would see implicit movement on the medical dispensaries, some of them being able to sell recreational. They’ve got to prove they’ve got the supply for their medical customers. I hope shortly thereafter, the standalone recreational marijuana operators.” – Murphy during his radio show on WBGO, via NJ.com
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is still reviewing industry applications. Jeff Brown, the commission’s executive director, said that officials are still facing challenges to get the program rolling, including a lack of municipal buy-in. The state’s cannabis law requires cannabis industry operators to get support from local officials in writing before they can begin their operations. During a January meeting, Brown indicated that “supply continues to be an issue.”
During his radio show, Murphy added that it’s “better to be right than fast” while discussing the launch of adult-use sales.
“And God willing, that’s what we’re gonna get,” he said.
The state rules do not allow personal cannabis cultivation and, as of August, as many as half of the state’s municipalities have opted out of allowing industry operations.
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