How to Open a Dispensary NJ: 10 Powerful Steps for Success 2025

How to Steer New Jersey’s Cannabis Retail Opportunity

If you’re researching how to open a dispensary in NJ, here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Choose your license type – Class 5 Retailer ($10,000 fee) or Microbusiness ($1,000 fee)
2. Apply for conditional or annual license – Conditional gives 120 days to secure location
3. Get municipal approval – Only in towns that haven’t opted out
4. Prepare required documentation – Business plan, security plan, proof of funding
5. Submit application to NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission – Via online portal
6. Secure $500,000-$2 million in startup capital – For lease, build-out, inventory, staffing
7. Set up compliant operations – Security, POS system, staff training, Metrc integration

With just 130 licensed dispensaries generating over $201 million in Q1 2024 sales (an average of $1.5 million per dispensary), New Jersey represents a significant business opportunity. The cannabis industry in the state is projected to cross the $1 billion milestone by the end of 2024.

The process of establishing a cannabis retail business in New Jersey involves navigating complex regulations, securing substantial funding, and building a compliant operation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with cannabis experience or new to the industry, understanding the nuances of the New Jersey market is crucial for success.

I’m Stephen Gold, a cannabis marketing professional who has guided numerous clients through the process of how to open a dispensary in NJ and develop effective marketing strategies that comply with state regulations while driving customer engagement.

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What License Types Exist and Which One Do You Need?

When planning how to open a dispensary in NJ, understanding license types is your first critical step. Think of it as choosing the right vehicle for your journey into cannabis retail—some are compact and economical, while others offer more room to grow.

New Jersey’s cannabis industry operates under the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act, which created several distinct pathways to dispensary ownership.

For most entrepreneurs, the Class 5 Cannabis Retailer License is your golden ticket. This permit allows you to operate a storefront selling cannabis products to adults 21 and older. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) has established a tiered fee structure that looks like this:

License Type	Application Fee	Annual License Fee	Notes
Standard Retailer	$200 submission + $800 approval	$10,000	Full-scale operation
Microbusiness	$100 submission + $400 approval	$1,000	Limited size operation
Conditional	$200 submission + $800 approval	N/A (converts to annual)	Temporary 120-day license

The good news? The CRC reviews applications on a rolling basis with no statewide cap on retail licenses. The challenge? Many towns have enacted local limits or outright bans on cannabis businesses. This patchwork approach means location research becomes crucial early in your journey.

How does a conditional license fast-track how to open a dispensary nj?

Think of a conditional license as training wheels for your cannabis business. It gives you a 120-day window to develop your operation before converting to an annual license. This approach is particularly helpful for entrepreneurs still putting pieces together.

The beauty of starting with a conditional license is that you don’t need property secured when you apply—a huge financial relief considering New Jersey’s pricey real estate market. You’ll get priority review status, cutting your wait time significantly compared to standard applications.

“The conditional license was my safety net,” shared Maria, a dispensary owner in Central Jersey. “I could secure my place in line while still shopping for the perfect location and finalizing my investor relationships. Without it, I’d have been gambling hundreds of thousands on a lease for a property that might not have gotten approved.”

During your 120-day conditional period (which can be extended for good cause), you’ll secure your location, obtain municipal approval, and finalize your business plans. When ready, you’ll convert to an annual license by providing proof you’ve met all requirements.

Is a microbusiness right for your budget when learning how to open a dispensary nj?

If you’re working with limited capital or want to test the waters before diving in completely, New Jersey’s microbusiness designation might be your perfect fit. It comes with dramatically reduced fees and simpler requirements, but with clear boundaries:

Your operation must stay within 2,500 square feet—about the size of a large coffee shop. You’re limited to 10 employees total, and at least 51% of ownership must be New Jersey residents. The annual license fee is just $1,000, compared to $10,000 for standard operations.

James, who started a microbusiness in South Jersey, told us: “Starting small allowed me to enter the market with roughly half the capital I would have needed otherwise. The challenge came six months later when we hit our capacity limits and had to apply to convert to a standard license to keep growing.”

Think of the microbusiness option as cannabis entrepreneurship on a more manageable scale—perfect for local business owners who want to serve their communities without massive corporate backing. Just remember that while entry is easier, growth is deliberately capped.

For the most current guidance on license types and application procedures, the NJ CRC website remains your most reliable resource, with regular updates on regulatory changes and application windows.

What Are the Step-by-Step Requirements to Apply in 2025?

The journey of how to open a dispensary in NJ requires navigating a detailed application process with precision. Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll need to do to position yourself for success in 2025.

Your first step is forming a legal business entity in New Jersey. This means registering with the NJ Division of Revenue, obtaining your EIN from the IRS, and setting up your tax registrations. Think of this as laying the foundation for your cannabis business – without proper structure, everything else becomes shaky.

Next comes the people part – preparing personal history disclosures. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s about transparency. The state wants to know who’s behind your business, requiring background checks for owners and key employees, detailed financial disclosures, and proof that at least one owner lives in New Jersey.

“When we started our application, we underestimated how detailed these background checks would be,” one of my clients told me. “They looked at everything from past addresses to minor financial transactions from years ago.”

Your business plans need to be rock-solid. This includes realistic financial projections showing where your money’s coming from, comprehensive security procedures, day-to-day operational plans, inventory control systems, and a marketing strategy that stays within New Jersey’s strict guidelines. These aren’t just boxes to check – they’re the blueprint for your business success.

Perhaps the most challenging hurdle is securing municipal approval. You’ll need to verify that your chosen town hasn’t opted out of cannabis businesses, obtain proper zoning approval, and secure formal support from local officials. This step alone can make or break your application, so approach it with care and preparation.

Once your local approvals are in place, you’ll register on the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission portal, complete the online forms, and pay your application fees. This digital gateway is where all your hard work comes together into an official submission.

The supporting documentation you’ll upload is extensive. Entity and Personal History Disclosure Forms, Social Equity Attestation (if you qualify), proof of funding, site plans, and control documentation must all be carefully prepared and submitted.

Finally, you’ll need to complete Metrc training to learn New Jersey’s seed-to-sale tracking system. This isn’t just a regulatory requirement – it’s essential knowledge for running a compliant operation.

While the CRC aims to review applications within 90 days, real-world timelines often stretch longer depending on application volume and completeness.

Which documents must be uploaded to avoid a CRC “Cure Letter”?

A “Cure Letter” from the CRC is the last thing you want when learning how to open a dispensary in NJ. This dreaded notice indicates your application is incomplete or inadequate, essentially putting you in a timeout while others move forward.

Based on my experience helping dispensary owners through this process, the most critical documents that often trigger these letters include Personal History Disclosures and Entity Disclosure Forms. These need to cover all owners, financial backers, and key employees – leaving anyone out is a common mistake.

Your signed affidavits, releases, and waivers for background checks must be complete and properly executed. If you’re applying under priority status, your Social Equity Attestation needs to be accurate and verifiable.

The funding plan often trips up applicants. The CRC wants to see not just that you have money, but where it came from and how it provides ongoing stability. For annual licenses, your site control documentation must clearly establish your right to use the property.

Evidence of municipal approval is non-negotiable – without local support, your state application goes nowhere.

“I created a dedicated three-ring binder with tabs for each required document,” shared a successful applicant. “When the CRC asked for clarification on something, I could immediately find and provide what they needed.”

The CRC provides an excellent Application Guide detailing every required document. Create your own checklist from this guide and review it obsessively before submitting.

How do you win municipal support and zoning approval?

The local approval process is often the trickiest part of figuring out how to open a dispensary in NJ. With over 400 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities initially opting out of allowing cannabis businesses, finding receptive communities requires strategy.

Start by thoroughly researching municipal ordinances. Each cannabis-friendly town has its own specific zoning restrictions, operating hours limitations, and additional requirements. What works in one town might be prohibited in another just a few miles away.

Engaging with local officials early pays dividends. Schedule meetings with planning boards and council members before you submit anything formal. Listen to their concerns and integrate their feedback into your plans.

Prepare thoroughly for public hearings. Community members will have questions about security, traffic, odor control, and potential impacts on their neighborhoods. Having thoughtful, prepared responses shows respect for local concerns.

When presenting to municipal boards, highlight the economic benefits your business will bring. Concrete numbers about job creation, tax revenue, and property improvements speak volumes to local officials concerned about their tax base.

Show how you’ll integrate with the community beyond just selling cannabis. Educational programs, community support initiatives, and local partnerships demonstrate you’re invested in the town’s wellbeing, not just profits.

If possible, focus on Impact Zones – areas designated as disproportionately affected by past cannabis enforcement. These communities often have more favorable policies toward cannabis businesses and additional incentives for setting up shop.

I’ll never forget when one of our clients transformed skeptical town officials into supporters by organizing a tour of a well-run dispensary in another town. Seeing a professional operation in action addressed fears better than any presentation could have.

Winning local approval isn’t just a regulatory step – it’s about building relationships with the community you hope to serve for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Open and Operate a Dispensary in NJ?

Let’s talk money – because when it comes to how to open a dispensary in NJ, your budget needs to be realistic. Opening a cannabis retail store isn’t like launching a coffee shop or boutique. The startup costs are substantial, but so is the potential return.

Based on our experience guiding clients through this process, you should expect to invest between $500,000 and $2 million to get your doors open. Here’s where that money goes:

Your license itself costs $10,000 for a standard Class 5 Retailer, plus application fees of $1,000 ($200 submission + $800 approval). That’s just your ticket to play – the real expenses come next.

Real estate in New Jersey doesn’t come cheap. You’re looking at $125,000-$300,000 annually in lease costs (roughly $15-$40 per square foot) or about $23,000 per square foot if you’re buying property. And remember – not every landlord welcomes cannabis businesses, which can drive prices even higher in cannabis-friendly zones.

The build-out is another major expense. Converting a space into a compliant dispensary typically runs $250,000-$500,000. This isn’t just about making the place look nice – it’s about installing specialized security systems, ensuring ADA compliance, and creating the proper flow for customers and products.

Speaking of security, plan to spend up to $100,000 on cameras, alarms, access controls, and secure storage areas. The CRC doesn’t mess around with security requirements, and neither should you.

Your initial inventory investment will likely be $200,000-$350,000. With wholesale cannabis averaging $1,500 per pound in New Jersey, you’ll need substantial stock to offer the variety customers expect.

One dispensary owner I worked with put it perfectly: “I knew it would be expensive, but what surprised me was how quickly the ‘little things’ added up – specialized insurance, attorney fees, compliance software, security maintenance. Budget for more than you think you’ll need.”

Monthly operating costs typically run $50,000-$75,000, including your team of 6-10 employees (about $300,000 annually in salaries), technology systems ($25,000-$50,000 upfront for POS and inventory tracking), professional services, insurance, and marketing.

What funding sources are actually lending in New Jersey?

The elephant in the room for cannabis entrepreneurs is always the same: where does the money come from? With major banks still avoiding the industry due to federal restrictions, you’ll need to get creative.

Cannabis-specific lenders like FundCanna have stepped into this gap, offering loans specifically designed for the industry. These typically come with higher interest rates than traditional bank loans, but they understand the unique challenges of cannabis businesses.

Private equity and angel investors are increasingly active in New Jersey’s cannabis market. Many are former executives from other industries who recognize the growth potential. These investors typically want a significant equity stake, but they often bring valuable expertise along with their money.

Sale-leaseback arrangements have become popular in the industry. Companies will purchase your property and lease it back to you, providing immediate capital. This can be a lifeline if you’re property-rich but cash-poor.

One funding source that’s often overlooked is social equity grants and loans. New Jersey has allocated $12 million specifically for social equity cannabis businesses. If you qualify, these can provide crucial capital with favorable terms.

Cannabis-friendly credit unions in New Jersey have also begun working with the industry. While they may not provide startup funding, having a banking relationship is crucial for day-to-day operations.

Many successful dispensary owners I’ve worked with started with friends and family funding to get off the ground, then secured larger investments once they had a track record of success.

How do ongoing compliance expenses affect profitability?

The revenue potential is exciting – New Jersey dispensaries averaged $1.5 million in quarterly sales in early 2024. But don’t let dollar signs blind you to the ongoing costs of staying compliant.

Compliance isn’t a one-time expense; it’s a continuous investment. Your Metrc seed-to-sale tracking system requires monthly subscription fees and per-plant tag costs. Your security systems need regular testing (every 30 days, by law) and occasional upgrades.

The Social Equity Excise Fee adds $1.52 per ounce to wholesale transactions. This might seem small, but it adds up quickly when you’re purchasing in volume.

Employee training isn’t optional – it’s required. Your staff needs to understand complex regulations about purchase limits, customer verification, and product handling. Investing in proper training prevents costly mistakes.

Most successful dispensaries allocate 15-20% of their operating budget to compliance-related expenses. This is substantially higher than traditional retail, but it’s the cost of doing business in a highly regulated industry.

As one dispensary owner told me, “I thought once we got the license, the hard part was over. But staying compliant is a daily job that never ends. Budget for it, hire for it, and make it part of your culture from day one.”

While these costs might seem daunting, they also create barriers to entry that protect established businesses. The dispensaries that thrive are those that build compliance into their business model rather than treating it as an afterthought.

How Do You Build a Compliant, Profitable Operation?

Once you’ve secured your license, the real work begins. Building a successful cannabis retail business isn’t just about opening your doors—it’s about creating an operation that stays compliant while actually making money.

What must be in your business plan to satisfy investors and regulators?

I’ve helped dozens of dispensary owners create business plans that actually work in New Jersey’s cannabis market. When learning how to open a dispensary in NJ, your business plan needs to be more than just numbers on a page.

Investors want to see that you understand the unique challenges of cannabis retail. Include a thorough market analysis that shows you’ve studied the local demographics, identified your competitors, and developed realistic growth projections based on state trends. Don’t just copy Colorado or California numbers—New Jersey’s market has its own personality.

Your financial projections need to be brutally honest. I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs underestimate startup costs or overestimate first-year revenue. Break down your monthly operating expenses in detail, and create three revenue scenarios (conservative, moderate, and optimistic) to show investors you’re thinking critically. A three-year profit and loss projection that accounts for New Jersey’s tax structure will demonstrate your seriousness.

“When we reviewed business plans,” one cannabis investor told me, “the ones that stood out showed contingency planning for regulatory changes and supply chain disruptions. Anyone can be optimistic—show me you’ve thought about the hard days.”

Social equity commitments aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re essential in New Jersey’s cannabis landscape. Detail your hiring practices, community engagement plans, and how you’ll support those impacted by cannabis prohibition. The CRC takes these commitments seriously, and so should you.

Operational procedures might seem boring, but they’re the backbone of a compliant business. Outline your hours, staff roles, inventory protocols, cash handling, and customer verification process in detail. In cannabis, small compliance mistakes can lead to big problems.

How do you hire and train staff who pass CRC background checks?

Building your dream team is a critical part of how to open a dispensary in NJ. Cannabis isn’t like other retail—your staff needs specialized knowledge and must pass background checks for their Cannabis Business Identification Cards.

Start by defining clear roles. Beyond just “budtenders,” you’ll need a compliance officer, inventory manager, security personnel, and administrative staff. Each position requires different skills and training.

When screening candidates, verify their eligibility for cannabis employment first. Not everyone can work in this industry, and the background check process can take time. While certain past convictions can be disqualifying, the CRC does provide pathways for demonstrating rehabilitation, particularly for cannabis-related offenses.

“We look for people who are passionate about cannabis education and can explain products to both experienced consumers and first-time customers,” shared one dispensary manager I work with. “Technical knowledge can be taught, but customer empathy and communication skills are essential from day one.”

Your training program should be comprehensive. Product knowledge isn’t enough—staff need to understand compliance requirements, security protocols, and how to operate your point-of-sale system. Regular updates on changing regulations and new products keep your team sharp and your business compliant.

In New Jersey, all employees must be at least 21 years old. Plan your hiring timeline accordingly, as the background check process can sometimes delay your opening date if not managed properly.

What marketing channels are legal under NJAC 17:30-17?

Marketing a cannabis dispensary in New Jersey feels like walking through a regulatory minefield sometimes. The restrictions under New Jersey Administrative Code 17:30-17 are substantial, but there are still effective ways to promote your business while staying compliant.

Your website is your most valuable marketing asset. Make it age-gated (must verify 21+), focus on education rather than promotion, and optimize it for search terms like how to open a dispensary in NJ (even if you’re already open—people searching for opening information are often potential customers too). A well-designed online menu that’s regularly updated will drive foot traffic.

In-store marketing gives you more freedom. You can display products, provide educational materials, and train staff to make recommendations. Printed price lists are permitted in-store, even though you can’t advertise prices in most external channels.

Community education events build your brand while serving a genuine need. Host workshops on responsible use, participate in local community events, and position your dispensary as a resource, not just a retailer. These connections pay dividends in customer loyalty.

Speaking of loyalty, compliant reward programs are powerful tools in cannabis. They give customers a reason to return to your dispensary rather than trying competitors. Just make sure your program doesn’t encourage excessive consumption.

Email and SMS marketing to age-verified subscribers lets you announce new products and special events directly to interested customers. These channels have higher conversion rates than most public advertising anyway.

The key restrictions to remember include:
– No advertising within 200 feet of schools
– No billboards or public transit ads
– No product images or price advertising in most contexts
– Audience must be reasonably expected to be 71.6% age 21+
– No imagery appealing to minors
– Required health warnings on all marketing materials

At The Gold Standard, we’ve developed Cannabis Dispensary Marketing Plans that drive foot traffic while navigating these complex regulations. We focus on education and community engagement rather than traditional advertising—approaches that build lasting customer relationships while keeping you safely within regulatory boundaries.

Where Can You Get Expert Help Marketing Your New NJ Dispensary?

Let’s face it – navigating the marketing landscape for your cannabis dispensary can feel like walking through a regulatory minefield. You’ve invested so much already in how to open a dispensary in NJ, but without effective marketing, even the best-located shop might struggle to build a steady customer base.

At The Gold Standard, we’ve been in the trenches with dozens of New Jersey dispensary owners, helping them turn regulatory challenges into creative opportunities.

“When we first opened, we were so focused on compliance that our marketing felt clinical and forgettable,” shared one of our clients from central New Jersey. “Working with The Gold Standard helped us find our authentic voice while staying within the rules.”

What makes cannabis marketing in New Jersey particularly tricky? For one, you’re dealing with restrictions that don’t apply to most other retail businesses. You can’t advertise within 200 feet of schools, use billboards effectively, or even show product images in many contexts. Plus, you need to ensure your audience is predominantly 21+ (specifically 71.6% or higher).

Despite these challenges, we’ve developed approaches that not only comply with regulations but actually connect with your target customers:

Building a local presence becomes crucial when traditional advertising is limited. We help dispensaries create genuine community connections through educational workshops, local partnerships, and neighborhood initiatives that position your business as a responsible, valuable part of the community.

Creating digital strategies that work means going beyond the standard website. We develop age-verified digital experiences, implement local SEO strategies that help nearby customers find you, and create content marketing plans that educate rather than just promote.

Designing memorable in-store experiences can turn first-time visitors into loyal regulars. From staff training programs that emphasize education to thoughtfully designed store layouts and loyalty programs that comply with state regulations – the in-person experience matters more in cannabis than almost any other retail category.

Our approach always starts with understanding what makes your dispensary unique. Are you focused on wellness? Do you have expertise in specific product categories? Is your location near particular communities with unique needs? These insights shape a marketing strategy that feels authentic to your brand while driving real business results.

As you continue your journey in how to open a dispensary in NJ, marketing shouldn’t be an afterthought. The most successful dispensaries integrate their marketing identity into every aspect of their business from day one – from store design to staff training to community outreach.

When you’re ready to talk about how to make your dispensary stand out in New Jersey’s increasingly competitive market, our team is here to help. We offer customized cannabis marketing strategies that focus on building your brand while navigating the complex regulatory landscape.

After all, getting your license is just the beginning – building a thriving, profitable dispensary that customers love is the real goal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Opening a Dispensary in New Jersey

How long does the CRC review process take?

While the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission officially aims to review applications within 90 days, the real-world timeline often stretches beyond that. Most of our clients typically receive decisions within 3-5 months after submission.

Your timeline can vary dramatically based on several factors. Applications with priority status (Social Equity, Diversely-Owned, or Impact Zone businesses) generally move through the queue faster. And if you’ve dotted every “i” and crossed every “t” in your application, you’ll avoid the dreaded “Cure Letter” requesting additional information—which can add weeks or months to your wait.

As one of our clients shared, “I expected the 90-day timeline they advertised, but it ended up taking almost five months. The key was staying patient and responding immediately when they requested clarification on our security plan.”

Can non-residents own part of a NJ dispensary?

Yes! Non-New Jersey residents can absolutely be part of your ownership team when exploring how to open a dispensary in NJ. However, you’ll need at least one owner who has called the Garden State home for a minimum of two years.

The rules get stricter if you’re applying as a microbusiness—in that case, at least 51% of ownership must be held by New Jersey residents. This requirement has created numerous partnership opportunities where out-of-state investors with cannabis experience team up with local entrepreneurs who understand the New Jersey market.

For those applying under Social Equity, Impact Zone, or Diversely-Owned designations, additional residency requirements apply. These partnerships often create the strongest teams, combining industry knowledge with local market understanding.

What purchase limits must my team enforce at checkout?

Your staff needs thorough training on New Jersey’s strict purchase limits. Every transaction with an adult-use customer is capped at one ounce of cannabis flower (or its equivalent). Here’s how the math breaks down:

• 1 ounce of cannabis flower
• 5 grams of cannabis concentrate
• 1000 mg of THC in cannabis-infused products

Beyond the transaction limits, customers cannot legally possess more than six ounces of cannabis at any time. Your point-of-sale system should be configured to prevent over-dispensing, but well-trained staff remain your first line of defense.

We’ve found that the most successful dispensaries train their budtenders to explain these limits as part of customer education rather than presenting them as restrictive rules. This approach prevents checkout frustrations and builds customer trust.

What security measures are required for a New Jersey dispensary?

Security is non-negotiable when learning how to open a dispensary in NJ. The CRC requires comprehensive protection including continuous video surveillance with 24/7 monitoring and minimum 30-day storage capabilities. Your dispensary must also have alarm systems with motion detection, secure product storage vaults, and limited access areas with electronic controls.

Additional requirements include panic buttons, perimeter lighting, and security personnel during all operating hours. Your security plan needs detailed documentation in your application and will undergo thorough inspection before you can open your doors.

These systems require regular testing—at least every 30 days—and documentation of these tests is subject to inspection. One dispensary owner told us, “Security costs were higher than I initially budgeted, but they’re ultimately an investment in protecting both your inventory and your license.”

How can I qualify for social equity priority in the application process?

New Jersey has created pathways for social equity applicants to receive priority review, which can significantly speed up your licensing timeline. To qualify, your business needs majority ownership (51%+) by individuals who meet one of these criteria:

• Lived in an Economically Disadvantaged Area (with 80% or less of the state’s median household income) for at least 5 of the last 10 years
• Have past cannabis convictions
• Come from designated Impact Zones with high unemployment, poverty rates, or past cannabis enforcement

If you qualify, you’ll need to submit a Social Equity Attestation with supporting documentation. Beyond moving to the front of the review queue, social equity applicants may also be eligible for reduced fees and technical assistance programs.

When can I apply for a consumption lounge license in New Jersey?

Cannabis consumption areas are coming to New Jersey in a phased rollout beginning in 2025. The application schedule prioritizes social equity businesses, who can apply starting January 2, 2025. Diversely-Owned businesses and microbusinesses follow on April 2, 2025, with all other retailers eligible to apply from July 2, 2025.

These consumption lounges require both a separate endorsement to your retail license and specific municipal approval. They can be designed as indoor spaces adjacent to your dispensary or as outdoor areas with appropriate barriers and ventilation systems.

As one cannabis consultant explained, “Consumption lounges represent the next evolution in cannabis retail. They’re not just about providing a place to consume—they create community spaces and educational opportunities that can significantly increase customer engagement and loyalty.”

What technology systems do I need for a compliant dispensary?

When setting up your tech infrastructure for how to open a dispensary in NJ, several systems are absolutely essential. At the core, you’ll need a seed-to-sale tracking system that integrates with Metrc (New Jersey’s mandated tracking platform) and a point-of-sale system that handles age verification, purchase limits, and inventory management.

Your security technology needs are substantial, including comprehensive video surveillance, alarms, and access controls. You’ll also need robust inventory management software for receiving, tracking, and auditing products, along with a customer relationship management (CRM) system for compliant marketing campaigns.

Don’t forget your digital storefront—a website with proper age verification for displaying menus and enabling pre-ordering is critical in today’s market. The most successful dispensaries we’ve worked with select cannabis-specific technology platforms that integrate seamlessly with New Jersey’s compliance requirements while also building in redundancy for those inevitable internet outages.