New Jersey became the 13th state to legalize adult-use cannabis on Feb. 22, 2021, after Governor Phil Murphy signed legalization and decriminalization bills into law. Much like the 12 states before it that decided to establish a legal adult-use recreational cannabis industry, New Jersey sought to find a pathway of equity for those who were disenfranchised by the War on Drugs. This article explores the initiatives the Garden State has taken to ensure access for such individuals who have ambitions of participating in the new regulated industry, and the plans in place to award recreational cannabis licenses to the historically disadvantaged groups. 

Leveling the Playing Field: The Microbusiness License

First and foremost, the term “social equity” cannabis operator applicant does not apply in New Jersey; the applicable terminology is a “microbusiness” license. The microbusiness license is a “reduced” form of one of the six recreational licenses that allows for the maintenance of a smaller cannabis business operation concerning capacity and quantity.