New Jersey Regulators Reverse Denial of Curaleaf’s Adult-Use Cannabis License

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) on Tuesday reversed its decision to deny the renewal of Curaleaf’s adult-use cannabis license, New Jersey Business Magazine reports. As part of the approval, Curaleaf will provide the commission with additional information regarding its labor practices and confirm its ongoing compliance with state law.   

When the CRC voted to deny Curaleaf’s adult-use license last week, members cited the company’s clash with unionization and lack of transparency and said the decision was due, in part, to its closing of one of its cultivation facilities and laying off of 40 employees. 

Following the reversal, Curaleaf CEO Matt Darin said the CRC decision “is an incredible victory” for the company’s 500 employees in New Jersey. Darin said the renewal is “vindication” for what the company “knew all along: Curaleaf is in good standing with the CRC and has fulfilled every requirement necessary for the renewal” of its adult-use licenses. 

Following the denial, Curaleaf Chairman Boris Jordan pledged to use “any legal means necessary” to “ensure renewal” of the license. Jordan said after the CRC decision to renew the license that it represents a “victory” for the firm, noting it generates “tens of millions” of dollars in state tax revenues and has invested “upwards of $75 million” to support the New Jersey cannabis industry.

“Curaleaf remains open for business,” Jordan said in a statement, “and will continue working collaboratively with the CRC Board and its staff to ensure our good standing in the State of New Jersey.”