2025 in Review -- a year of continued growth & equity at NJ-CRC
In 2025, the Commission continued expanding access to regulated cannabis for patients and consumers across the state, with more than 396 licensed businesses operating in 211 municipalities. New Jersey’s cannabis market continued to mature, generating nearly $860 million in sales during the first three quarters of the year. During the same period, approximately $49.5 million in tax revenue and just over $8 million in SEEF funds were collected.
Equity remained central to the Commission’s work in 2025. From licensing and education to data transparency and community engagement, the NJ-CRC took deliberate steps to ensure that the benefits of legalization continue to reach diverse entrepreneurs and communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition, while holding licensees accountable to the standards set forth under the CREAMM Act.
Agency Updates
In 2025, the Commission’s leadership team saw notable changes. Commissioners Sam Delgado and Maria Del Cid-Kosso both departed the board during the year; both having served since the Commission's formation. Amelia Mapp joined as a new Commissioner, bringing additional perspective as the agency continued to grow and evolve its oversight functions. Harris Laufer was also confirmed to the Commission in 2025.
New staff and subject-matter experts were added across key offices to continue supporting the Medicinal Cannabis Program, licensing, compliance, and data analytics. Additionally, the NJ-CRC improved its interactive Cannabis Dispensary Finder, making it easier for patients and consumers to find licensed medicinal and adult-use dispensaries. Users can now also search exclusively for microbusinesses.
Government Relations
We continued to increase the number of municipalities that have opted into the cannabis market and expanded our presence at key events throughout the state. By the end of 2025, 211 municipalities in New Jersey had allowed at least one class of cannabis business within their jurisdiction.
With the support of the Office of Communications and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODI), we participated in the League of Municipalities Conference, engaging with hundreds of municipal officials. Acting Executive Director Christopher Riggs and Director of Government Affairs Matthew Craig led a panel at the conference, providing updates and answering questions about the legal cannabis market.
Additionally, we enhanced our ability to track municipal changes by investing in the Obedio platform, which grants us access to every municipal resolution related to cannabis in New Jersey. This investment will enable us to explore more efficient and effective ways to support local municipalities and cannabis businesses.
Looking ahead, we are eager to continue meeting with the community and elected leaders to educate them about cannabis and the evolving market.
Commitment to Equity
Equity remained central to the Commission’s work in 2025. Of the businesses licensed to operate under the CREAMM Act:
Nearly 70% are diversely owned
41% qualify as impact zone businesses
29% are microbusinesses
16% are designated social equity businesses
12% are led by individuals with prior marijuana-related convictions
These outcomes continue to exceed national diversity benchmarks for the cannabis industry.
Applications and Licensing
By the end of 2025, more than 270 medicinal and adult-use dispensaries were operating across 21 counties, improving access for patients and consumers statewide. As of December 17, 397 cannabis businesses were licensed to operate under the CREAMM Act, with retailers accounting for the largest share of operating businesses.
Licensing activity remained strong. As of November 18, the Commission received 3,128 applications, approving 2,412, with additional applications under review or pending resubmission across the licensing and compliance offices.
Medicinal Cannabis Program
As of the end of 2025, the Medicinal Cannabis Programhas a total of 52,877 patients, 3,397 caregivers, and 1,530 healthcare providers enrolled. In 2025, 6,499 new patients were added to the registry. During the year, a total of 25,264 patient and caregiver cards were issued, which includes physical and digital cards.
The Medicinal Cannabis Program Virtual Town Halls held on March 19, 25, and 26, 2025, gathered extensive input from patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and community members, with nearly 500 written comments submitted and close to 300 individuals registered to speak.
During the town halls, participants expressed overall satisfaction with the program's impact on quality of life and symptom management, especially chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. However, both healthcare providers and patients noted that there are still gaps in education and information, as well as a lack of clear guidance on dosing, strains, and product selection. Patients also expressed concerns about product availability, including issues with insufficient potency, inconsistent THC levels, limited medical-specific options, and the need for clearer labeling and education on terpenes.
