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Four years ago, New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize recreational cannabis sales, with numerous townships waiting to see how the industry would pan out before allowing dispensaries to open.
Since then, the business of cannabis has established itself as an emerging industry with a range of career pathways spanning a variety of skillsets. Its subsequent profitability is plainly visible with total sales surpassing $1 billion this past December, and multiple dispensaries can be found within a single mile. Some have even become more accessible thanks to the expanded reach of delivery services—a stark contrast between New Jersey’s recent history and still-present harsh penalties other parts of the country dole out for cannabis possession.
“The towns that I've seen who've [opted in to allowing dispensaries] are pretty happy about it, and I think other people and municipalities are seeing that it's beneficial and it's not what they thought it would be,” says Sheila Mints, chair of both the health care and cannabis law practices at Capehart Scatchard. “Now they've seen it's like any other kind of regulated business—it's like a liquor store—in the sense that it's not going to create an issue in your community. … People have to be 21 to get in. And frankly, I think it's a lot easier to get into a liquor store when you're underage than it is to get into a cannabis dispensary—you can't do it. I mean, you literally can't do it.”
As Mints’ first area of practice is health care law, she conducts presentations to medical staff on how cannabis has a low toxicity rate and does not cause violence or overdoses like alcohol or opioids.
In a federal capacity, professionals would most like to see cannabis reclassified so it is no longer a Schedule 1 drug alongside heroin. Federal regulations also still create obstacles for dispensaries within the state, as they have to find alternative banking and purchase methods; many such businesses are still cash-only.
Industry experts are also paying attention to legislation about hemp-derived cannabis products. This is a legal loophole in which unlicensed retailers, even in states where cannabis is illegal, are able to sell intoxicating products that replicate marijuana to an extent; however, the products are not as safe or regulated, which is especially concerning since some manufacturers take products classified as hemp and chemically alter it through isomerization.
“That loophole has caused a ton of confusion because that's a federal law that was passed that some people are now using to say these products are legal for sale. What happened is, because the Federal Congress did not clarify what the specific rule is, the states have had to take this up on their own. [Last year,] New Jersey passed S-3235, which would ban the sale of all hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoid products throughout the state everywhere, except for licensed class-five dispensaries regulated by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC). There is a carve-out for derived beverages that can be sold at liquor stores,” says New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) Executive Director Todd Johnson. “Having a convergence in the laws so that all intoxicating cannabinoid products get regulated in the same way by the CRC is something that we believe will help the industry and consumers. It will ultimately [improve] product safety, so consumers understand that any intoxicating cannabis products are safe because they'll be within the regulated supply chain, tested and measured in terms of potency.”
On a state level, Mints’ clients would also like to see more operational guidance from either the state or townships. She is personally interested in increased consideration of medical patients and new openings to apply for medical licensing, especially since that’s how the legal industry began.
“For some of my physician clients, it’s been a concern of theirs that with recreational, the whole medicinal aspect of it has sort of gone by the wayside a bit. Because with recreational, you want as much THC as possible—which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis—but there are a lot of other ingredients. There's different cannabinoids that have different clinical applications that are appropriate for different conditions,” she explains. “With the increased medical presence, I hope that will provide incentive to grow facilities to look at other strains that would provide some [increased] medical assistance.”
With no currently impending local legislative prospect of going backward, there is now freedom for cannabis professionals and consumers to vocalize what they would like to see improved. Most consumers are looking forward to lower prices, as well as new products and experiences.
“What we're seeing is not only small-business dispensaries but also standalone cultivators and manufacturers, so there are opportunities for product diversity on shelves like never before. For especially independent dispensaries run by New Jersey business people, there's an opportunity to carry some of the less-known brands or craft cultivators and differentiate themselves,” says Johnson. “I think we've seen a really sustained drop in prices over the past 12-18 months … the increase in cultivators and manufacturers is having a meaningful impact.”
In addition to the new ability to produce different kinds of edibles like baked goods or drinks, retailers are also exploring the idea of on-site consumption.
“Consumption lounges are already on the horizon, with license applications for these spaces having started to roll out. These lounges will allow customers to consume cannabis on-site in a safe and regulated environment. While New Jersey’s alcohol laws are stringent, they are not necessarily an obstacle to cannabis consumption lounges. The key challenge will be ensuring that cannabis consumption is regulated in a way that is both safe and respectful of public health concerns,” says New Jersey Cannabusiness Association Executive Director Jenna-Rae Russo.
Lounges for consumption would ideally add to diverse employment opportunities, which has inspired both collegiate educational programs and mid-career shifts. Johnson explains that the jobs are plentiful, and training programs either within or outside a university are easily accessible. If someone still doesn’t know where to start, there are a growing number of industry events for learning, networking and transitioning to a previously unfathomable, yet successful, niche.
“The cannabis industry is vibrant and expansive, offering career opportunities for individuals from a variety of fields. Whether you work in HVAC, real estate, marketing, or other industries, there is a place for you in the cannabis sector. It’s a dynamic field that rewards initiative and adaptability, with positions ranging from cultivation to retail, and everything in between. Those interested in joining the industry need to be proactive and take the necessary steps to learn and grow within the space,” says Russo. “One of the key industry events to look out for is MJ Unpacked, which is an annual event in New Jersey that offers valuable insights for cannabis professionals. Additionally, the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association organizes monthly B2B networking events, providing opportunities for industry players to connect, share knowledge, and find potential business partners. Staying engaged with organizations like the NJCBA is an excellent way to stay informed.”
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Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 15, Issue 4 (April 2025).
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