NJ Cannabis Commission Wants To Know How To Use Cannabis Tax Dollars.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) is seeking public input on how to use cannabis tax dollars.

The CREAMM Act, which legalized recreational cannabis in New Jersey, requires that all tax revenue, fees, and fines the NJ-CRC collects be deposited into the CREAMM Fund. The New Jersey Legislature then has the authority to “appropriate investments in designated Impact Zones.” Furthermore, any “Social Equity Excess fees” collected from recreational cannabis cultivators are to be used for “social equity investments.”

The commission is required by law to hold public meetings and hear recommendations. To that end, they will be holding three meetings to listen to public suggestions on how to use cannabis tax revenue for social equity projects.

The meetings take place in-person and via Zoom Wednesday, March 2nd, 9th, and 16th from 7 PM – 9 PM. Meetings will be chaired by Commissioners Krista Nash and Charles Barker.

All meetings are open to everyone, but the commissioners will be “seeking ideas specific to North Jersey on March 2, Central Jersey on March 9, and South Jersey on March 16.”

“Social equity is woven through every part of the recreational cannabis market in New Jersey, including ensuring revenue is used to bring economic development and social resources to our most challenged communities,” said Commissioner Nash.

UPCOMING MEETINGS - Using Tax Revenue for Social Equity

“How can collected fees on the sale of cannabis products be used to make your community better? Share your ideas and hear your neighbors' ideas at one of three regional virtual meetings.”

On the following Wednesdays in March from 7 PM – 9 PM:

• North Jersey, March 2, 2022, @ 7 PM – 9 PM
• Central Jersey, March 9, 2022, @ 7 PM – 9 PM
• South Jersey, March 16, 2022, @ 7 PM – 9 PM

You can register to speak at the meeting here or submit a written comment here. Input collected from the public “will inform the Commission’s recommendations to the governor and legislature.”

The deadline to register to speak for each meeting is 5 PM the day before. The deadline to submit a written comment is Friday, March 18th. Those who register will be limited to 3 minutes of speaking time.

“For me, success for using these dollars will be measured by how well communities most harmed by the failed war on drugs are provided transformative opportunities for economic growth, generational wealth, and improved living standards,” said Commissioner Barker. “I look forward to listening to the ideas residents and organizations bring to us for making lives better across New Jersey.”

The NJ-CRC is responsible for establishing and enforcing rules and regulations governing the licensing, cultivation, testing, selling, and purchasing of cannabis in New Jersey.

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