How To Open A Weed Dispensary In NJ: Free ‘Training Academy’ Launches

NEW JERSEY — Want to open a legal marijuana dispensary in New Jersey? A free, state-funded Cannabis Training Academy (CTA) can give you a running start.

According to New Jersey officials, the no-cost, online cannabis educational platform is open to people 21 and over. It gives aspiring cannabis business owners a deep dive into what they need to do to get things off the ground floor – legally.

Participants will get important information about the licensing application process, municipal approval, zoning issues, raising capital, post-licensing topics and general operations. Conditional conversion support will also be available.

Courses are available online and can be completed at the attendee’s pace. In addition to pre-recorded webinars, participants can register to access live, virtual question-and-answer sessions with instructors. They will also be able to participate in future in-person workshops.

The CTA launched on Oct. 16. Learn more or sign up here.

“The state of New Jersey is committed to seeing aspiring small business owners succeed in the cannabis industry,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.

“The CTA aims to create a well-informed, diverse community of leaders who can take advantage of these new opportunities and contribute to the growth and economic success of their respective neighborhoods and the state overall,” Murphy said.

Funding for the CTA is provided by taxes collected on adult-use cannabis sales. The New Jersey Business Action Center, housed in the New Jersey Department of State, has been designated by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission to build and launch the Cannabis Training Academy.

IMPACT ZONES

The CTA is specifically designed to help those who qualify as members of target “Impact Zones,” state officials said.

Those who live in a CRC-designated Impact Zone, plan to locate their future cannabis business in an Impact Zone, or plan to hire future employees from Impact Zone locations can expand their learning base with an additional seven levels of coursework and more than 60 classes.

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