NJ Asks Legal Weed Customers For Feedback On ‘Social Equity’ Tax

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) will host a series of virtual meetings in January to get public feedback about the state’s “Social Equity Excise Fee” on recreational cannabis sales.

When New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana for adults, it included a Social Equity Excise Fee that is charged to customers when they make a purchase.

As of Jan. 1, the fee was set at $2.50 per ounce of cannabis. The fee was $1.24 per ounce in 2024.

Here’s what happens to that money – and other related fees, according to the NJCRC:

“The CREAMM Act, which legalized adult-use cannabis, requires that all tax revenue, fees, and fines collected by the NJCRC must be placed in the CREAMM Fund, and that the New Jersey Legislature appropriate investments in designated Impact Zones. The law specifies that SEEF funds from adult use cannabis sales are to be used for social equity investments. This could include assistance for those adversely affected by past marijuana convictions, more affordable housing, educational support, mental health services, or an increase in funding for workforce development programs.”

The Social Equity Excise Fee is allocated by the New Jersey Legislature through the state budget. While the NJCRC sets the annual fee rate and conducts public input sessions to guide its recommendations, the Legislature determines final appropriations for social equity initiatives.

Input collected from public comments at the meetings and from written submissions will inform the commission’s recommendations to the governor and state Legislature. The public can register to speak or submit a written comment by going to nj.gov/cannabis/meetings and looking for the Upcoming Hearings link under the “Public Hearings” tab.

The virtual meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

Northern Region

• Thursday, January 15, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (via Zoom)

Central Region

• Wednesday, January 21, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (via Zoom)

Southern Region

• Thursday, January 29, 2 to 3 p.m. (via Zoom)

The June 2025, May 2024, February 2023, and June 2022 recommendations to the Legislature can be found at nj.gov/cannabis/resources/reports-stats-info

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.