0425 Cannabis Dept - FINAL_Layout 1 4 / 4 / 25 12 : 55 PM Page 1 states where cannabis is illegal , are able to C A N N A B I Z sellintoxicating products that replicate mar - ijuana to an extent ; however , the products are not as safe or regulated , which is especially concerning since some manufacturers take products classified as hemp and chemically alter it through isomerization . Going Green “ Thatloophole has caused a ton of con - fusion because that's a federal law that was passed that some people are now using to Cannabis professionals reflect upon four years of legalized say these products are legal for sale . What recreational marijuana in New Jersey and the industry’s happenedis , because the Federal Congress future as they examine success stories , innovations , career did not clarify what the specific rule is , the opportunities and more . [ by Carly Murray ] stateshave had to take this up on their own . [ Last year , ] New Jersey passed S - 3235 , which our years ago , New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize would ban the sale of all hemp - derived in - recreational cannabis sales , with numerous townships waiting to toxicatingcannabinoid products throughout see how the industry would pan out before allowing dispensaries to the state everywhere , except for licensed open . class - five dispensaries regulated by the F Since then , the business of cannabis has established itself as an emerging Cannabis Regulatory Commission ( CRC ) . industry with a range of career pathways spanning a variety of skillsets . Its There is a carve - out for derived beverages subsequent profitability is plainly visible with total sales surpassing $ 1 billion this thatcan be sold at liquor stores , ” says New past December , and multiple dispensaries can be found within a single mile . JerseyCannabis Trade Association ( NJCTA ) Some have even become more accessible thanks to the expanded reach of Executive Director Todd Johnson . “ Having delivery services — a stark contrast between New Jersey’s recent history and still - a convergence in the laws so that all intoxi - present harsh penalties other parts of the country dole out for cannabis possession . cating cannabinoid products get regulated “ The towns that I've seen who've [ opted in to allowing dispensaries ] are in the same way by the CRC is something pretty happy about it , and I think other people and municipalities are seeing that that we believe will help the industry and it's beneficial and it's not what they thought it would be , ” says Sheila Mints , chair consumers.It will ultimately [ improve ] product of both the health care and cannabis law practices at Capehart Scatchard . “ Now safety , so consumers understand that any in - they've seen it's like any other kind of regulated business — it's like a liquor toxicatingcannabis products are safe because store — in the sense that it's not going to create an issue in your community . … they'll be within the regulated supply chain , People have to be 21 to get in . And frankly , I think it's a lot easier to get into a tested and measured in terms of potency . ” liquor store when you're underage than it is to get into a cannabis dispensary — Ona state level , Mints ’ clients would also you can't do it . I mean , you literally can't do it . ” like to see more operational guidance from As Mints ’ first area of practice is health care law , she conducts presentations eitherthe state or townships . She is personally to medical staff on how cannabis has a low toxicity rate and does not cause interestedin increased consideration of med - violence or overdoses like alcohol or opioids . ical patients and new openings to apply for In a federal capacity , professionals would most like to see cannabis reclassified medicallicensing , especially since that’s how so it is no longer a Schedule 1 drug alongside heroin . Federal regulations also still thelegal industry began . create obstacles for dispensaries within the state , as they have to find alternative “ For some of my physician clients , it’s banking and purchase methods ; many such businesses are still cash - only . been a concern of theirs that with recreational , Industry experts are also paying attention to legislation about hemp - derived the whole medicinal aspect of it has sort of cannabis products . This is a legal loophole in which unlicensed retailers , even in gone by the wayside a bit . Because with recreational , you want as much THC as pos - sible — which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis — but there are a lot of other in - gredients . There's different cannabinoids that have different clinical applications that are appropriate for different conditions , ” she explains . “ With the increased medical pres - ence , I hope that will provide incentive to grow facilities to look at other strains that would provide some [ increased ] medical as - sistance . ” With no currently impending local leg - islative prospect of going backward , there is now freedom for cannabis professionals and consumers to vocalize what they would like to see improved . Most consumers are looking forward to lower prices , as well as new prod - ucts and experiences . “ What we're seeing is not only small - 10 | SOUTH JERSEY BIZ | VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4 | SouthJerseyBiz.net