Dear residents of Tuckerton Borough,
As you may know, the State of New Jersey has recently legalized the use of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over. This means that cannabis businesses, including cultivation, processing, manufacturing, and retail operations, will be allowed to operate in the state, subject to regulatory oversight by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC).
There seems to be a lot of buzz around the question, Why is Jersey Shore Extracts looking at Tuckerton? One aspect of the new cannabis law that may be of particular interest to residents of Tuckerton Borough is the designation of "impact zones." These are municipalities or wards that have been disproportionately impacted by low-level marijuana offenses, high unemployment, and other negative social determinants of health. Under the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM Act), at least 25% of the licenses issued for cannabis businesses must go to applicants from impact zones.
Tuckerton Borough has been identified as an impact zone under the CREAMM Act. While this designation may raise some questions or concerns for residents, We want to explain why we believe it could be a positive development for our community.
First and foremost, the impact zone designation is intended to promote social equity and economic empowerment for individuals and communities that have been disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis. By ensuring that at least 25% of cannabis business licenses go to applicants from impact zones, the CREAMM Act is providing opportunities for individuals who may have been excluded from traditional economic opportunities due to the collateral consequences of cannabis-related offenses.
Additionally, the revenue generated by cannabis businesses in Tuckerton Borough can be used to support important services and programs that benefit our community, such as education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. This revenue can help to offset the costs of addressing the negative social determinants of health that have contributed to Tuckerton Borough's designation as an impact zone, such as high unemployment and poverty rates.
Furthermore, cannabis businesses can create job opportunities for local residents, particularly those who have been impacted by cannabis-related offenses. These jobs can range from entry-level positions in our retail store and customer service to more specialized roles within the industry. By providing job opportunities and promoting economic growth, Jersey Shore Extracts can help to address the underlying factors that contribute to the designation of impact zones in the first place.
Another interesting fact, the legalization of cannabis and the establishment of regulated retail stores can help to reduce the prevalence of the illicit cannabis market, which can contribute to increased crime and other negative impacts on public safety. By providing a safe, legal means for adults to purchase cannabis products, our store can reduce the demand for illegal drug dealers and decrease the risk of associated criminal activity.
It's important to note that the NJCRC will be responsible for overseeing the regulation and licensing of our cannabis businesses in Tuckerton Borough, and will ensure that our store complies with strict requirements for security, product testing and labeling, and responsible marketing practices. These regulations are designed to ensure that cannabis products are safe and of high quality, and that they are not marketed to children or vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, while the impact zone designation may raise questions or concerns for some residents, We believe that it can ultimately be a positive development for Tuckerton Borough. By promoting social equity and economic empowerment, generating revenue, creating job opportunities, and improving public safety, cannabis businesses like ours can help to address the underlying factors that contribute to the designation of impact zones and promote a healthier, safer, and more vibrant community.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and We encourage you to learn more about the opportunities and benefits that legal cannabis can bring to our community.
Jersey Shore Extracts