It will be almost a year before Cape May County cannabis business opens; nearest site is in EHT
WEST CAPE MAY — While 11 marijuana retail stores are operating elsewhere in the state, it may take until next spring for one local cannabis retailer to open for business in the borough.
Dave Christian, of Shorehouse Canna, has secured a location on Sunset Boulevard and hopes to have a grand opening on 4/20/2023, a date of significance. The date, 4.20, refers to April 20, which is considered a marijuana holiday, originally based on a group of California teens who smoked cannabis every afternoon at 4:20. A soft opening could occur in March, he said.
Christian said Shorehouse Canna has applied to the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) for an annual license as opposed to a conditional license. So far, the CRC has issued 11 conditional retail licenses.
A conditional license gives applicants more time to get property or municipal approval before acquiring an annual license, which allows applicants to begin operations after passing inspections.
Christian said Shorehouse Canna has a permanent location and support of the borough, which are requirements for an annual license. The CRC’s priority is to review conditional applications first, Christian said.
“We’re expecting to hear some news within the next 60 days or so as to whether or not we have to provide more information,” he said.
Renovation of the building to comply with security and HVAC requirements of the CRC will begin soon, Christian said, adding that he has met with cannabis suppliers.
“We’re lining it all up so we can hit the ground running, but at the moment, still just like everybody else, we’re in a holding pattern, waiting to hear from the CRC,” he said.
The state will inspect the store location before issuing the license.
“We know we have a very strong application; we have the expertise behind us, and we have the means to launch the business,” Christian said.
He noted multistate cannabis retailers are opening in northern New Jersey with a desire to serve New York City residents. He noted the nearest locations to Cape May County to purchase recreational cannabis are in Egg Harbor Township and Vineland.
West Cape May has not set a limit on the number of dispensaries. For zoning purposes, the borough has designated a section of Sunset Boulevard’s business district for cannabis retailers, he said.
“I don’t think two is too many, I don’t think four is too many when you think about the summertime population that rolls into Cape May County,” Christian said.
He noted several neighboring municipalities have opted out of allowing cannabis sales. Christian said Shorehouse Canna is hoping to offer delivery.
CRC regulations are promoting New Jersey businesses first and diversely owned businesses, he said.
Christian noted the 12 dispensaries selling recreation cannabis in the state took in $24 million in the first month, which averages $2 million per month per dispensary.
By JACK FICHTER/Sentinel staff
