A four-year old dispensary in Secaucus is poised to become the first non-profit medical marijuana dispensary to offer adult weed in the Garden State.
Harmony Foundation is expected to go before the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Thursday for final state approvals to expand into the adult recreational weed market at its Secaucus alternative treatment center at 600 Meadowlands Parkway, a top Harmony executive confirmed to NJ Advance Media.
“This is an exciting step forward for Harmony, and, we believe, for the growing cannabis industry in New Jersey,” Shaya Brodchandel, President and CEO of Harmony, said in a statement. “By seeking to become the first New Jersey-based ATC to be granted an expansion into the adult-use market we are showing that cannabis businesses born in this state have the ability to join those multi-state operators and thrive, reinvesting our successes into our local communities.
“We believe that we have met all of the obligations put in place by regulators, and are ready to join the dual market,” added Brodchandel.
Harmony is one of the original six alternative treatment centers (ATCs) approved in the state. It began operating in June 2018 under the state’s Medicinal Cannabis Program as both a cultivation and dispensary facility.
Since the statewide launch of recreational adult weed on April 21, eight multi-state operators, or MSOs, have come to dominate the New Jersey cannabis market by opening and owning all 19 stores that currently sell it. Ascend Wellness - which was granted CRC approvals on Sept. 9 to expand is currently working on securing final municipal approvals to sell adult weed in Fort Lee, where it has sold medical marijuana since Aug. 12.
If the CRC approves on Thursday, Harmony would become the first non-multi-state operator allowed to expand into the dual medical and recreational market.
Brodchandel said once it receives the nod from the state, Harmony will continue to grant priority to medical patients and their registered caregivers as mandated by the CRC by offering exclusive hours, designated service areas, discount eligibility, delivery services and curbside pickup.
“We have a proven track record of serving the medical cannabis community for many years, and we will not turn our back on those that use our products for health purposes,” Brodchandel said.
In addition, winning state approval paves the way for the company’s growth. Brochandel said Harmony has plans to open two Hudson County satellite dispensaries that would offer both medical and recreational marijuana in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Brodchandel said the additional sites will create more jobs and social equity opportunities for minority and women aspirants who want to join the cannabis industry in keeping with the intent of legalization.
A key component of the 2021 cannabis law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy is restorative justice for communities of color hurt most by the nation’s War on Drugs by earmarking a portion of revenue from adult weed sales to go toward social equity programs to benefit them.
“Through our social equity plan, creating real jobs for New Jersey residents or reinvesting our profits back into the community, Harmony has shown a commitment to the state and people of New Jersey,” Brodchandel added. “We look forward to expanding our presence at job fairs, and providing additional expungement clinics, reentry support, and mentorship opportunities.”
Brodchandel said his commitment extends beyond growing Harmony Dispensary and wants to benefit the entire cannabis industry in New Jersey – which is poised to become one of the nation’s largest based on revenue.
“As Harmony continues to grow, and achieve even greater business success, our core mission will match the intentions of Governor Murphy for the industry and be a force for lifting up others that have previously not been afforded opportunities for entrepreneurial success,” Brodchandel said Wednesday.
The CRC meeting will be the first in-person gathering by the five-member panel since it was created due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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Suzette Parmley may be reached at sparmley@njadvancemedia.com or follow her on Twitter: @SuzParmley