The Cannabis Research Institute at William Paterson University will host a roundtable with New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) Vice Chair Sam Delgado and Director of Communication Toni-Anne Blake on Thursday, September 28 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The event will take place on the University campus in Hamilton Hall, and it will also be livestreamed online.
In addition to providing an overview of where the state’s cannabis industry stands today, Delgado and Blake will discuss two new developments: the potential arrival of cannabis consumption lounges to New Jersey as well as changes in how the state taxes cannabis businesses.
The discussion will be moderated by William Paterson business professor Rahi Abouk, health economist and director of the University’s Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). Comprised of University faculty and staff from a range of academic disciplines, the CRI provides evidence-based scientific and social scientific information on topics related to cannabis, as well as opioid drugs and other substances.
The roundtable, Professor Abouk says, should prove to be relevant and interesting both for the public as well as those working in the cannabis business.
Cannabis consumption lounges would provide individuals 21 years and older with a place to safely enjoy cannabis and socialize=–much like bars provide for patrons who wish to consume alcohol. Under the Commission’s proposed rules, consumption lounges could be located indoors or outdoors, and would comply with laws applicable to cigar lounges as well as the Smoke-Free Air Act.
Recent changes in the State’s taxation rules for cannabis businesses now allows them to deduct business expenses when filing their state income taxes, just like non-cannabis businesses do. The importance of a reduction on taxable income extends beyond the bottom line of cannabis business owners, Professor Abouk notes. It could encourage more entrepreneurs to enter NJ’s cannabis industry and could eventually reduce the price and therefore increase the consumption of cannabis, he explains.
Registration is required both for in-person and virtual attendance. Seating in Hamilton Hall is limited to 100 guests, so early registration for in-person attendance is encouraged. Click here to register.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event, but they, too, must register. Please note that the NJCRC representatives will not be available for any media interviews before or after the event.
William Paterson University
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
973-720-2000
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