NEW JERSEY CANNABIS RETAIL MARKET UPDATE – JANUARY 2026
New Jersey cannabis retail momentum remains strong despite a new 90-day regulatory pause. January brought three Jersey City approvals, and a Parsippany reversal that signals shifting local politics. Retailers should monitor municipal windows closely as some jurisdictions open while others pull back.
Plus, check out the 8 NJ acquisition opportunities at the bottom of this email.
Top Headlines This Month
- Statewide 90-day regulatory pause signed by Governor
- Jersey City advances three Class 5 retail licenses
- Parsippany-Troy Hills rescinds Mindset Dispensary support
- Commercial Township schedules retail site plan hearing
🌉 STATEWIDE – 90-DAY REGULATORY PAUSE SIGNED
The Setup:
Governor Mikie Sherrill signed executive order January 23, 2026 creating 90-day pause on new New Jersey regulations. Business groups praised action, but cannabis-specific applicability remains unclear. New Jersey cannabis retail licensing actions may proceed under existing rules.
The Impact:
Potential delay for new cannabis retail regulations, rule clarifications, or framework updates. Municipal ordinances likely unaffected, but state-level guidance and NJ-CRC rulemaking could slow. February 12 CRC meeting proceeds as scheduled.
The Opportunity:
Municipal licensing windows remain active during pause. Retailers should accelerate applications before potential rule changes post-pause. Existing framework locked in for 90 days, creating compliance certainty.
Strategic Angle:
Submit pending applications before April 24 pause expiration. Monitor NJ-CRC meetings for clarification on pause scope. Focus on municipal approvals while state-level rules frozen.
🏙️ JERSEY CITY – THREE CLASS 5 RETAIL LICENSES ADVANCE
The Setup:
Jersey City Council scheduled votes on three Class 5 retail resolutions for January 28, 2026: Warrior Weed LLC, BEVRLY INC, and Grass House Company. All three received Cannabis Control Board clearance and moved to full council for local support resolutions.
The Impact:
Jersey City maintains aggressive retail expansion pace with three simultaneous approvals. Published buffer map clarifies 200-foot school setbacks and 600-foot front-door spacing requirements. Council-approved retailers advance to Planning Board and state CRC licensing.
The Opportunity:
Jersey City’s January 21 approved retailer map defines site eligibility statewide leader. Buffer requirements now transparent for site diligence. Three approvals signal continued municipal support for additional licenses beyond current roster.
Strategic Angle:
Review January 21 buffer map before site acquisition. Contact Cannabis Control Board at ccb@jcnj.org before February 12 NJ-CRC meeting. Jersey City permits faster municipal processing than competing Hudson County jurisdictions.
⚠️ PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS – DISPENSARY SUPPORT RESCINDED
The Setup:
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council introduced Ordinance 2026:05 on January 27, 2026, amending Chapter 119 (Cannabis) and revoking prior Ordinance 2026:30. Concurrent Resolution R2026-031 rescinds support for Mindset Dispensary LLC’s Class 5 application to NJ-CRC. Public hearing February 17, 2026.
The Impact:
Municipal reversal eliminates one retail opportunity and signals possible framework tightening. Mindset Dispensary loses local approval required for CRC licensing. Ordinance amendments suggest stricter caps, buffers, or licensing criteria ahead.
The Opportunity:
Clarity on revised Chapter 119 framework arrives February 17. If amendments reduce restrictions rather than tighten, new application window may open. Monitor council posture shift and Planning Board guidance.
Strategic Angle:
Attend February 17 public hearing to assess revised ordinance language. Contact Township Clerk before hearing for advance copy of amended Chapter 119. Competing applicants should prepare updated proposals aligned with new framework.
🏛️ COMMERCIAL TOWNSHIP – RETAIL SITE PLAN HEARING SCHEDULED
The Setup:
Commercial Township Land Use Board scheduled public hearing January 28, 2026 at 6 p.m. for Frank Carpino’s Minor Site Plan application to operate a retail cannabis dispensary at 1410 East Buckshutem Road (Block 164, Lot 1.01). Robinson & Robinson LLC represents applicant.
The Impact:
Commercial Township advances first public retail application under existing ordinance framework. Cumberland County sees limited retail activity compared to North Jersey, creating regional opportunity gap. Approval establishes local precedent for future applications.
The Opportunity:
Small-market opening with minimal competition. Commercial Township population under 6,000, nearest retail 20+ miles. Site plan approval combined with CRC licensing creates near-term opening timeline. Monitor hearing outcome for replication strategy.
Strategic Angle:
Attend January 28 hearing to observe board priorities and community sentiment. Contact Land Use Secretary Stefanie Muessig at 856-785-3100 x320 for site plan review standards. Cumberland County remains underserved retail territory.
Available New Jersey Cannabis Retail Locations
Burlington County, NJ
Paper license attached to a 1,800 sq ft standalone building near Philadelphia. No nearby competition within 3+ miles.
Asking: $550,000
Delran, NJ
Paper license with use permit attached to a 2,400 sq ft retail space on high-traffic corridor (50k traffic) near Philadelphia border. One of four licensed locations in the township.
Asking: $550,000
Absecon, NJ
Doors open 3,000 sq ft location on main route between Atlantic City and airport. One of three licensed locations.
Asking: $950,000
Butler, NJ
Fully licensed retail location with state and local approvals. Ready for buildout on high-traffic highway.
Asking: $1,500,000
Irvington, NJ
Operational dispensary in former bank building. Connected to bus station with established customer base.
Asking: $600,000
Kingston, NJ
2,100 sq ft retail space opening soon. Prime location bordering Princeton University.
Asking: $1,500,000
Montclair, NJ
Class 2 Manufacturing microbusiness license with upgrade option. 2,000 sq ft facility with approved construction plans.
Asking: $1,000,000
West Milford, NJ
Operational retail + delivery business. $2.2M annual revenue. Building lease or purchase options available.
Asking: $1,500,000
For more information on any of these opportunities, please contact us here.
The Bottom Line
Jersey City’s three approvals and published buffer map maintain North Jersey momentum. Parsippany’s reversal and the statewide regulatory pause signal caution, but active municipal windows in Commercial Township, Jefferson Township renewals, and Hamilton Township’s drive-through framework keep New Jersey cannabis retail expansion on track.
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