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Lobbyists for the hemp industry, however, say the measure goes too far, may face court challenges, could hurt legitimate shops and put hemp farmers out of business.

Jeff Brown, who currently serves as the Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s executive director, has been named the department’s deputy commissioner for health systems, Murphy announced Tuesday. Christopher Riggs, who succeeded Kelly Anderson-Thomas as deputy director when she was named deputy commissioner for public health services, will take over as acting director later this month. Riggs was previously the CRC’s general counsel. Brown has said in previous interviews that what doctors are charging for consultations for medical cannabis patients is also an impediment. Doctors are required to certify someone as a medical cannabis patient and they can charge upwards to $100-$200 several times per year. Many of the registered doctors with the state are no longer taking new patients. Brown is headed to another agency that oversees payments and inspections for vulnerable patients. The Health Systems branch of the health department is responsible for inspecting Medicaid health facilities, licensing and hospital financial reporting. It’s also in charge of the state’s Charity Care program which functions as a form of hospital payment assistance.

From the Governor's office on Jeff Brown leaving the CRC: Governor Phil Murphy today announced senior-level personnel transitions within the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC). Effective May 20, 2024, Jeff Brown, who currently serves as the Executive Director of CRC, will transition to DOH to serve as the Deputy Commissioner for Health Systems. He will succeed DOH Deputy Commissioner Robin Ford, who is departing on May 10, 2024 for a new role at the New Jersey Innovation Institute. Brown joins former CRC Deputy Executive Director Kelly Anderson-Thomas, who transitioned to DOH as a Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Services earlier this spring. Christopher Riggs, Esq., the current Deputy Executive Director and former Chief Counsel at CRC, will serve as Acting Executive Director of the CRC following Brown’s departure later this month. “I’m thrilled to announce Jeff Brown as the incoming Deputy Commissioner for Health Systems and Christopher Riggs as the Acting Executive Director of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission,” said Governor Murphy. “Since its establishment, Jeff and Christopher have capably guided the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, implementing our adult use cannabis market and ensuring a diverse and equitable landscape throughout the industry. I look forward to working with them both in their new capacities within the Administration.”

New leadership changes

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Scutari passes another law aimed at cementing political influence over the industry. Reporting by Jelani Gibson

Here's some statehouse takeaways from Jelani Gibson

The Senate President wants to curb cannabis regulators' power and doesn't agree with their fining of companies. Nick Scutari, D-Union, has mulled pushing a bill to revamp parts of the commission — including possibly making it part-time — during the state Legislature’s current lame-duck session, according to two legislative sources with direct knowledge of the situation who were granted anonymity to speak candidly about the issue. This comes as commission members have sometimes acted against the recommendation of CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown when favoring fines. In some of those cases it cited recommendations from agency investigators. The commission can choose the viewpoint of front line personnel over higher ranking leaders such as Brown in making decisions. Scutari’s dissatisfaction with the commission comes after state Sen. Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, proposed the idea of abolishing the commission several months ago. That suggestion has the support of some of the companies the commission is fining. ACLU Policy Director Sarah Fajardo said the group opposes any effort to weaken the commission. “We’re here to push back against that,” she said Thursday as a coalition of groups rallied outside the Statehouse to urge lawmakers to pass social justice bills. “We need the CRC, we need all of the oversight to make sure that cannabis legalization actually reaches the folks who have been penalized and criminalized for years.”

A note from your publisher, Enrique Lavín: I have some bittersweet news to share.    Starting in 2024, I will be moving into a different role at NJ Advance Media, taking on a new and exciting challenge. I will be overseeing our eNewspaper, where I’ll be working with teams at our parent company Advance Local, serving as a key liaison between digital, opinion and The Star-Ledger newspaper print operations.   I’m immensely proud to say I have been with you every step of the way for five years.   NJ Cannabis Insider and NJ Advance Media will continue providing essential coverage of the cannabis space, led by the fearless Jelani Gibson, and you’ll continue to receive his weekly insights and industry updates. Our Events team is still evaluating what our 2024 cannabis events plan will look like, and they’ll be sure to keep you updated when we have a schedule to share.   It’s truly been an honor and privilege to serve you over these past five years. I’ve made some friendships that I truly cherish. I wish the business community the best of luck in this extremely complex industry. I will always be proud I can say I was part of many of your journeys.    Jelani and I will be attending the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association’s final event of the year on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Galloping Hills Golf Course in Kenilworth. We’d love to see many of you there. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eHAAnWtM   For those I don’t see this week, I hope to see you down the road…   Your friend in #njcannabis, Enrique Lavín NJ Cannabis Insider publisher and editor