The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Board (CRCB) has reversed its decision regarding Curaleaf adult-use cannabis retail license renewals.
On April 13, the CRCB decided not to renew the company’s licenses for its Edgewater Park and Bellmawr locations.
The dispensaries are two of a limited number of shops in New Jersey with adult-use cannabis retail licenses.
The decision was contrary to the CRC’s recommendation to renew the licenses and a lack of violations by the company.
Curaleaf CEO Matt Darin told WPVI that the company has operated above board, saying the decision was arbitrary.
Darin said layoffs would be inevitable without the CRCB renewal of the company’s adult-use license at the Edgewater Park shop.
But on Monday, Curaleaf announced that the CRCB had voted to vacate its decision and renew the license.
“Today’s decision by the CRC Board to vacate their unprecedented action last week is an incredible victory for our 500 NJ team members and vindication for what we knew all along,” said Curaleaf CEO Matt Darin. “Curaleaf is in good standing with the CRC and has fulfilled every requirement necessary for the renewal of our licenses. I am incredibly proud of and grateful to every one of the hundreds of dedicated team members who showed up today, not just for their jobs and livelihoods, but for a better, safer cannabis industry in New Jersey.”
During Monday’s meeting, CRC Commissioner Krista Nash said, in her opinion, Curaleaf had not complied with mandatory labor provisions.
According to Nash, it was enough reason for her to deny the company’s renewal application.
Nash said she based her decision on public testimony from workers and the union.
Under the approval, the company will provide additional labor practice information and confirm ongoing NJ law compliance.
Curaleaf Chairman Boris Jordan says the company will continue working collaboratively with CRC and its staff to maintain good standing in New Jersey.
“This decision by the Board is a victory for Curaleaf,” says Jordan. “A company that has proudly generated tens of millions of tax dollars for the State, invested upwards of $75M more to support its cannabis industry, and supplied cannabis products to nearly all of New Jersey’s licensed dispensaries, including social equity license holders.”