The Hoboken Cannabis Review Board (CRB) again rejected the Culture Hoboken dispensary since they still had not secured the property for their business, despite reaching a settlement in court over a year ago.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
CRB Attorney Ron Mondello explained that the dispensary applicant, Culture Hoboken, applied to open at 321 Washington St. before the CRB in May 2022, when it was first voted down, as HCV first reported.
“The board had several concerns,” he began, noting that they are based out of California, had a letter of intent without a lease, and did not own the building.
“Another business had just opened at that location too. Culture said they could help them move … Another Commissioner was concerned about the distance to a school and a cap … of 6 … That litigation was settled. The applicant indicated they had a new location.”
Furthermore, while Mondello indicated that they had 90 days to be heard from the board since February, a significant amount of additional time had elapsed.
“An additional 5 months have passed beyond the 90 days. My understanding is that to date, the applicant has not yet secured that location. It’s a motion to dismiss without prejudice. The applicant has exhausted all requests for adjournments,” he continued.
He added that Culture Hoboken was aware of the situation and did not send an attorney to represent them at the hearing, which was virtual.
“How many licenses have been issued?” Commissioner Emily Wirt asked, to which Mondello said the CRB has granted six letters of support to date.
However, they subsequently need city council approval and a license from the state to open and Mondello wasn’t sure how many had completed the process yet.
Hoboken Cannabis Review Board Secretary Patricia Carcone noted Harmony dispensary’s approval was revoked, while five others were approved, including Terrapin Station, Village Hoboken, and Blue Violets.
“1427 Grand (Hudsonica, formerly Jersey Joints) is under construction, but they have all intentions of proceeding,” Carcone added.
She noted said the Multi-State Operator (MSO) Story dispensary is proceeding foward after settling their litigation in April. Long story short, the CRB has the ability to grant one more license.
Mondello noted members of the public wanted to speak but he was not sure if they were permitted in such a setting.
“I have no issue: I’m more than happy to hear them,” said Commissioner Jason Freeman, also the city’s business administrator.
Manny Rivera Soler was curious about how we ended up here, to which Mondello reiterated that a lawsuit was filed and the settlement mandated another hearing.
Ultimately, the CRB voted unanimously (4-0) to dismiss their application.
Is anyone following the string of stories about the damaging effects cannabis is having on a growing segment of the user population? Frankly, I am a bit surprised as well (voted for legalization a few years ag), but the Times has run a few pieces in recent weeks and the evidence appears pretty compelling that these drugs are capable of doing more damage than previously thought. Perhaps it is time to hit the pause button. The real story here is not the CRB , but what this anything goes approach to how we amuse ourselves is doing to our public health.