New Jersey Assembly Bill A4914

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/17/24
• Refer: 10/17/24

Caption

Requires Cannabis Regulatory Commission to establish procedure for persons to voluntarily prohibit self from entering dispensary.

Impact

If enacted, A4914 will significantly affect the operational guidelines of cannabis retailers in New Jersey. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission will be tasked with developing specific procedures for both the inclusion and removal of individuals from the self-exclusion list. Additionally, cannabis retailers will need to adopt measures to ensure compliance, which may include training staff to recognize individuals on the list and implementing database systems to manage customer information effectively. This could lead to increased operational responsibilities and potential costs for retailers as they adapt to these new regulations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4914, sponsored by Assemblyman Donald A. Guardian, aims to provide a voluntary self-exclusion option for individuals who wish to prohibit themselves from entering cannabis dispensaries or purchasing cannabis products. The bill requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to establish a procedural framework that outlines how individuals can add their names to a self-exclusion list. Once on this list, cannabis retailers are mandated to prevent these individuals from entering their premises and from selling them any cannabis items. This initiative is designed to support those who may struggle with cannabis use and wish to voluntarily restrict their access to it.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding A4914 include concerns about privacy and the logistics of maintaining a self-exclusion list that is exempt from public inspection. Critics may raise questions about how individuals' identities will be protected and how the commission will ensure that the self-exclusion process is handled fairly and transparently. Moreover, the bill's requirements may place additional burdens on retailers, prompting discussions about the balance between consumer protection and regulatory compliance costs. Engaging stakeholders in the cannabis industry during the rule-making process may be essential to address these concerns.