Building off experience serving patients, Alternative Treatment Centers unify on common vision for future of cannabis in New Jersey
Newark, NJ – October 22, 2020 – The 12 permitted Alternative Treatment Centers (“ATCs”) in the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program announced today the formation of the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA). The NJCTA was formed with the intention of keeping service of medical cannabis patients at the heart of the ATCs’ evolving operations, on the eve of a ballot question that empowers New Jersey voters to support the legalization of cannabis for adult use.
NJCTA members are committed to working together to apply best practices and lessons learned from navigating the formative years in New Jersey’s medical cannabis program, as the state transitions to the new reality of regulated adult-use cannabis. This effort will focus on protecting and growing the medical cannabis program, while shaping future operations with a mindful, responsible approach to the transition into adult-use legalization.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased innovation and growth for New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program. NJCTA operators continue to work within the State’s strong regulatory landscape, designed to prioritize patient needs. To adapt to the challenging times for New Jersey’s patient base, members have expanded operations and implemented first-of-their-kind services for these patients coping with the “new normal.”
Should New Jersey residents vote in favor of adult-use legalization, the member ATCs will leverage their expertise in maneuvering through times of crisis and change by utilizing the many synergies that exist in the combination of medical and adult-use markets. NJCTA members envision expanded access and reduced costs to patients, as well as the benefits of enhanced safety and access of regulated cannabis for all New Jersey purchasers.
NJCTA Chairman, Shaya Brodchandel of Harmony Dispensary, made the following statement:
“As the existing operators in the state, we have been proud to serve the patients of New Jersey. That focus will not change. NJCTA members will advocate for thoughtful, responsible, and compassionate policies to ensure the progress and resiliency of the cannabis industry well into the future.”
“As Governor Murphy has reinforced throughout the pandemic, ‘public health creates economic health.’ As companies that directly benefit the well-being of over 90,000 patients in the state, and as we plan for the possibility of generating revenue for the public good through sales of adult use cannabis, we are in a unique position to contribute to both the public health and the economic health of the Garden State. We will continue to strive to be an industry that sets a high standard of care, inclusivity, and service, and we expect New Jersey to serve as a model for the rest of the country when it comes to preserving and growing a medical cannabis program while legalizing cannabis for adult use.”
The founding members of the NJCTA are Acreage Holdings, Ascend Wellness, Breakwater Alternative Treatment Center, Columbia Care, Curaleaf, Garden State Dispensary, Green Thumb Industries, Harmony Foundation of New Jersey, iAnthus Capital Holdings, Justice Grown, TerrAscend, and Verano Holdings
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