Module 1: Fundamentals of cannabis regulation in New Jersey
12 hours: September 16, September 20, September 27
Module price: $600
To start the program, we’ll review the history and development of New Jersey’s medical and recreational cannabis industries, as well as the broader national and international context, before getting into the specifics of New Jersey’s CREAMM Act (including the difference between cannabis and marijuana under New Jersey law) and New Jersey’s revised Medical Marijuana law. We’ll clarify key legal terminology and look at the ways in which the rules and processes established by the Act affect how you set up and run your business, including business types, priority applicants, the differences between conditional and annual licenses, and the requirement that licensed business employ NJ-certified cannabis handlers.
Note: the session on September 16 will be an all-day in-person session at one of the Law School's campuses (Camden or Newark TBC).
Module 2: Regulatory compliance
12 hours: October 4, October 11, October 18, October 25
Module price: $600
Once you’ve opened your doors, you need to make sure that you protect your license by running a compliant business. Whether you’ve created your own standard operating procedures or worked with a consultant, you’ll need to ensure you adhere to them and maintain compliance in a wide range of areas, including inventory control and use of METRC, audit processes, and more. This module will look at some of these topics, and the ways in which you need to be able to find the latest information and update your processes as the state’s regulations develop.
Module 3: Cannabis business operations
18 hours: November 1, November 8, November 15, November 29, December 6, December 13
Module price: $850
This module is focused on the specific challenges and rules associated with operations for businesses in New Jersey’s cannabis industry. This includes how to create and execute branding strategies, and the specific legal rules that apply to branding in this industry; the special challenges associated with banking and federal tax compliance; and the many rules with which your marketing must apply, both the rules that apply specifically to the cannabis industry and those that apply to all foods. We’ll also cover how business agreements—for example licensing, supply, and consulting agreements—should be structured so that they can be reliably enforced, even in the face of federal illegality. Finally, we’ll discuss the ways in which you need to be thinking about protecting your intellectual property.
Module 4: Locations and local government
12 hours: January 10, January 17, January 24, January 31
Module price: $600
Navigating zoning and land use restrictions are major topics for cannabis business owners. This module will review the legal rules that you need to know and some strategies for making your property searches within these rules more effective. We’ll look at other types of land use regulations that might affect your property use, like the Pinelands Protection Act. We’ll also discuss the structures of local governments, the tools you can use to learn the specifics of your municipality’s rules, and what happens when municipalities “opt out” as permitted by the CREAMM Act.
Module 5: Choose ONE from:
Topics for License Classes 1-4
12 hours: February 7, February 14, February 21, February 28
Module price: $600
In this elective module, we’ll cover topics specific to license classes 1 (cultivators), 2 (manufacturers), 3 (wholesalers), and 4 (distributors).
Topics for License Classes 5-6
12 hours: February 7, February 14, February 21, February 28
Module price: $600
In this elective module, we’ll cover topics specific to license classes 5 (retailer) and 6 (delivery). These include more specific considerations on zoning, physical safety and security, product packaging, Cannabis Consumption Areas, “dram shop” liability, and dealing with minors. We will pay special attention to techniques for effective community relations.
Module 6: Capstone
18 hours: March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 6
Module price: $600. Only available for full certificate participants
As the certificate wraps up, you’ll bring together what you’ve learned and apply it to a project that will make an immediate impact on your business. Whether you’re working on your business plan, license application, marketing materials, or an investor pitch-deck, you’ll receive feedback from our faculty as you put together your project. The final course meeting will give you the opportunity to showcase your project and see the work of your peers, gaining valuable experience and feedback.
Note: the session on April 6 will be an all-day in-person session at one of the Law School's campuses (Camden or Newark TBC).
