The Cannabis Regulatory Commission has voted not to renew a license for Curaleaf- the state’s largest producer and seller of recreational and medicinal marijuana.
Curaleaf operates three dispensaries in Bellmawr, Edgewater Park, and Bordentown, where recreational sales could soon come to an end. Medical marijuana sales at these locations would not be affected.
The rejection from the CRC appears to be over labor complaints. According to United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360, employees at the Bellmawr location had attempted to form a union, but management reportedly interfered. The workers then filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The law legalizing recreational marijuana sales in New Jersey includes a provision that requires businesses show a willingness to allow workers to unionize.
CRC board members also voiced concern over the planned closing of the Bellmawr location, announced late last month, resulting in 40 jobs being eliminated.
“We believe the CRC Board has wrongly interpreted the applicable regulations and that its decision to retaliate against Curaleaf for our need to consolidate production into one local facility is lacking in merit,” said Boris Jordan, Chairman of Curaleaf in a statement.
“Curaleaf has never been cited for such a violation and we believe there is no regulation requiring permission for the staff reduction we announced. Curaleaf is in good standing with the CRC and has fulfilled the requirements necessary for the renewal of our licenses.”
