New Brunswick endorses first eight marijuana businesses

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The city has endorsed eight applications to open recreational marijuana businesses here.

The next step is for the applicants to obtain approval from the state.

The applicants approved for licenses are Earth & Ivy, Puffin Store, Maryjayne's Touch, NB Green Delivery, LBOZ, NBFC, DC Vitality, and Fathom Cannabis, according to a public notice.

The city is permitting cannabis retailers in CAN-RD zones. The city is supporting Earth & Ivy, 355 George St.; Puffin Store, 382 George St. and Maryjayne's Touch, 70 Easton St. for retail licenses. 

The five other permitted cannabis licenses are permitted in the city's CAN-CMD zones. The city is supporting NB Green Delivery, 610 Jersey Ave. and LBOZ, 131 Jersey Ave. in their efforts to obtain delivery licenses from the state.

Cultivation and manufacturing licenses are being sought by NBFC, 131 Jersey Ave.; DC Vitality, 131 Jersey Ave. and Fathom Cannabis, 703 Jersey Ave. with the city's support.

"Due to the state of New Jersey not being able to approve all three applicants that were endorsed at 131 Jersey Ave., the city endorses Fathom Cannabis to attempt to ensure that the city successfully attains four non-retail cannabis businesses," the public notice states.

New Brunswick is one of only a few communities in Central Jersey that agreed to permit all types of marijuana businesses.

In addition, on-premises consumption of cannabis in any form is prohibited, including outdoor areas. Use of cannabis is prohibited in any public place, the ordinance also states.

Under the city's ordinance, retail cannabis stores will be allowed to operate from 10 a.m.to midnight except those within 200 feet of a residential zone, which will be required to close by 10 p.m.

Cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, wholesaling and delivery establishments will be permitted to operate 24 hours per day, except for those located within 200 feet of a residential zone where the hours of operations would be from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Violators will face fines of $500 per offense.