HRC April Newsletter
Fun Fact:
April 20th has passed us by, but some history here for those of you who know that 4/20 means something. This day of marijuana celebration started in the early 1970s by high school students who would meet up to smoke marijuana after school at 4:20 PM. Over time, the term 4/20 became recognized as a symbol of resistance against anti-marijuana laws and policies.
Local Cannabis Legislation
There has been no change to the Common Sense Cannabis ordinances. Thank you to those of you who reached out to the city in February to oppose changing the Common Sense Cannabis ordinances. Your efforts made a difference. Councilmen Quintero and Cohen pulled the proposed change to the school proximity law from 600 feet to 200 feet. As a result, Councilwoman Fisher and Council President Giattino pulled their resolution in opposition. Quintero and Fisher have committed to work collaboratively to review the cannabis ordinances to ensure that they reflect a responsible, social equity-driven cannabis industry in Hoboken.
Dispensary Update
The Station - 86 River Street (Open)
The Station is open for business! Hoboken’s first dispensary has opened its doors and business is ramping up! Go down and check them out.
Blue Violets - 628 Washington Street (Provisionally Open)
Blue Violets is open with limited hours of operation, for now, despite losing their legal case. In September, the courts ruled in favor of the HRC - vacating Blue Violets’ municipal approval - citing that the Hoboken Planning Board illegally approved the Blue Violets application. The dispensary was notified that they must abide by the 600 foot school proximity law and in order to operate they will need to get a variance from Hoboken’s Zoning Board.
Since the court’s ruling, Blue Violets filed an appeal with the Appellate court. In addition, they filed a Motion to Stay their municipal approval (requesting that the court allow their business to operate as if they had municipal approval until the appellate court renders a decision.) This motion was granted by the appellate court, which is why Blue Violets is now open, on Washington Street.
It is not the result HRC was hoping for, but we are confident that we will win the appeal. Currently, Blue Violets is operating by appointment with evening and weekend hours, which are notably outside school hours. Hopefully the appellate decision comes soon, because Blue Violets could be forced to close after investing more into the business.
Village - 517 Washington Street (Imminent Opening)
Village dispensary is ready to open and awaiting final state approval. Their doors are expected to open soon.
Story Dispensary - 51-53 14th Street
Story Dispensary has not received a state license. There has been no activity with this dispensary since December when the Condo Association settled their litigation with the Hoboken Planning Board. We continue to provide court-documented information to the CRC about the dubious ownership structure and political influence surrounding this dispensary - urging the CRC to deny Story’s application.
Hudsonica - 1427 Grand Street
Hudsonica (formerly Jersey Joints) is still under construction. Hudsonica received municipal approval and a conditional state license in June 2023. Their opening is dependent upon the completion of the newly developed building and their facility. Once that is complete, they will need to receive a final approval from the state.
One License TBD
The CRB rescinded Harmony’s (95 Hudson Street) municipal approval in September 2023 after alleged mismanagement and the removal of the CEO. As a result, this leaves one cannabis license available for the city to issue. Culture Cannabis settled a lawsuit with the City late last year allowing it to reapply for a license, but it is unclear what the City plans to do. Notably, while cannabis zoning laws must be adhered to, Hoboken does not have any proposed cannabis retail in the southwest part of town.
CRC Upcoming Meeting – The state Cannabis Regulatory Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 8th at 11 a.m. to consider another group of dispensaries for state licensing. The agenda is posted and you can register to speak here: https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/about/meetings/ The deadline to register to speak is May 6th at 5 p.m. Register to speak here.
