New Jersey officials are completing the curriculum of an academy for marijuana entrepreneurs that offers free training.
The New Jersey Business Action Center of the Department of State (NJBAC), which has been developing this program for six months, announced last month it had finalized its core curriculum and that students could receive certificates of completion if they complete the 60+ courses offered.
This program offers participants free technical assistance and helps them navigate issues including zoning laws and daily operations. New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is also a supporter.
NJBAC said that, since its launch in October 2024, more than 1,300 people have enrolled—and officials have produced more than 20 hours of supplemental videos that students can view to learn the ins and outs of licensing and operating a marijuana business.
Melanie Willoughby, NJBAC’s Executive Director said that the program was completed about six months after it launched.
She said: “It is also a testimony to the ongoing commitment and support of the State to make sure that this valuable resource is available to prospective cannabis entrepreneurs who want to improve their knowledge in order to obtain other licenses or to train their employees on the deeper nuances and complexities of license and business operations.” This program is unique in Canada.
NJBAC states that online classes allow students to work at their pace. Programming consists of pre-recorded webinars as well as live Q&A sessions with instructors. Also available are workshops in-person.
Tauhid Cappell, CTA’s executive director, stated that this was a momentous occasion for New Jersey. “We are wrapping up the most comprehensive and largest cannabis technical support program in the nation,” he said. The CTA program is enhanced by experts in the industry, supported by Cannabis Regulatory Commission and available to New Jersey residents ages 18+. They can access the CTA online 24/7, 365days a year, through their phone, tablet or computer.
It is designed to encourage equity in the cannabis legal industry of California. Officials previously noted that it was “specifically designed for people who meet the criteria as being members in Impact Zones defined under the law.” [state’s adult-use marijuana law] NJCRC and its subsequent rules.”
Sam Delgado is the vice-chairman of NJ-CRC. He said, “The program has already helped prepare new workers and entrepreneurs for entry and success in New Jersey’s marijuana market.”
He said that well-trained and knowledgeable staff makes businesses more efficient, as they are also safer for consumers.
Penni wild, NJBAC’s deputy executive director, stated that CTA is “more than just teaching cannabis entrepreneurs the information they need to submit a licensing request.”
It gives them power in understanding the licensing process. According to our CTA instructors, it would cost thousands of dollar to hire an outside consultant to simply explain it,” said she. They are learning the process themselves step by step, so they can make an informed decision and progress in their business.
—
MEDCAN24 has been tracking the hundreds of bills relating to cannabis, psychedelics or drug policies that have passed through state legislatures as well as Congress in this past year. Patreon subscribers who donate at least $25/month have access to the interactive maps and charts as well as our hearing calendar.
Find out more about our marijuana law tracker. To gain access, become a Patreon supporter.
—
Meanwhile in New Jersey, Senate President Nick Scutari (D) recently filed a bill that would re-criminalize purchasing marijuana from unlicensed sources—one of the latest attempts to crack down on the illicit market and steer adults toward licensed retailers.
Former New Jersey Senate leader, now running as governor for the state of New Jersey, said that in March it is “time” to allow medical marijuana users to cultivate their own plants to use for themselves. In March, the former New Jersey Senate leader who is now running for governor said “it’s time” to give medical marijuana patients an option to grow their own cannabis plants for personal use.
Steve Sweeney was the longest-serving Senate President in the history of New York State. His comments about home grows are different from the views expressed by the present Governor. Phil Murphy, the Democratic Party’s leader in Connecticut, has repeatedly stated that home-grown marijuana should not be allowed until after the market for adult-use cannabis matures.
Seemingly contradicting that claim, dozens of New Jersey small marijuana businesses and advocacy groups recently called on the legislature to allow adults to cultivate their own cannabis.
The poll found that although most Marijuana consumers are opposed to Trump’s actions on cannabis, rescheduling and legalization may increase support.
Mike Latimer is the photographer.
MEDCAN24 would not be possible without the support of readers. Please consider making a Patreon monthly pledge if you depend on our cannabis journalism for information.
