The Hoboken Cannabis Review Board (CRB) approved Terrapin Care Station, which already has a medical cannabis license from the state, for adult-use cannabis sales at last night’s meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
A new CRB member Gary Weinstein, also a part of the Last Prisoner Project, joined the governing body for the first time last night, joining the board earlier than expected with Business Administrator Jason Freeman absent due to the birth of his son.
Rob Davis, a former chair of the Hoboken Housing Authority, is expected to be appointed by the city council at tomorrow’s meeting.
“The Hoboken medical cannabis review board heard my client minority-owned in March and April,” attorney James Burke noted, also seeking adult-use approval in May.
At that time, the applicant was told they were required to sell medical cannabis for a year before they could receive a full dispensary license.
CRB attorney Ron Mondello explained that it was a policy developed by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC).
“Politicians asked them for an explanation, and eventually, that policy was withdrawn,” Burke explained.
The NJCRC removed the 12-month wait provision in May and replaced it with a certification process that a company has the capacity to sell both medical and adult-use cannabis.
However, just days before that, the Hoboken City Council passed an ordinance imposing a 12-month waiting period for Terrapin to sell adult-use cannabis in May.
Terrapin Vice President of Communications Peter Marcus, of Boulder, CO explained they want to be socially conscious and work with local socially-minded non-profits.
“We have been at this for 13 years. We are what you call a ‘legacy‘ cannabis company. We take corporate responsibility and community partnerships seriously. We are not one of these cannabis conglomerate companies you see,” he said.
Marcus reiterated that they would sell both medical and adult-use cannabis.
“Our plan to serve patients in the Hoboken community is not going away. We will be the only medical cannabis dispensary opening, at least for now. Construction of the interior is underway,” he added.
Marcus continued that there they have a program for low-income assistance medical patients giving them a 20 percent discount for poor patients.
He also said they have a deal with the UFCW labor union to allow their workers to form a union. Terrapin is working with local non-profits Oasis, Women Rising, and the Hudson Pride Center, a top resource for the local LGBTQ community.
Marcus said they believed they would make $8.7 million in revenue in the first year.
“We anticipate sometime in the first quarter of next year being able to move that application through the state,” he further stated.
CRB Commissioner Mike Russo, also the council president, pointed out that he first advocated for cannabis legalization 15 years ago after seeing patients in his medical practices who needed special medicine.
“That is going to be a continued use for our patients in the city of Hoboken. Is there any way you can have a dedicated cashier … where patients have that separate … track of the company doing what they need for those patients?,” he asked.
“Yes, there will be a dedicated cashier, as you said, window,” Marcus noted,
Regarding patients, he added “We want to give them a bit more one-on-one attention.”
“Excellent, thank you,” Russo replied.
CCB Commissioner Leo Pellegrini, the city’s director of health and human services, asked if they would have hours dedicated strictly for medicinal patients.
“The hours for the store will be the same,” Marcus answered.
The NJCRC has mandated they must have at least 14 hours exclusively for medical cannabis patient sales, recently fining five companies for not doing so.
“What progress have you made to meet your strategic hiring goals with that statement in mind?,” Weinstein asked.
“This is one close to our hearts,” Marcus said.
He stated he believes it is important to note “what companies pay lip service to versus meaningful change,” explaining that they want to work with non-profits and government agencies to hire recently released felons.
“Perhaps Terrapin might consider an expungement clinic,” Mondello suggested
“Absolutely, 100 percent,” Marcus answered.
He said they are eager to work with the NJCRC and others to hold job fairs that include workshops to help people prepare for the nuances of a job search.
Local restaurant owner and real estate professional Joseph Castello owns the property at 86 River St., where they will be based, and has a partnership deal with the dispensary.
“My family has been in business in Hoboken for one form or another for 70 years. I love the town,” he said.
Consultant Kevin Krieger said they hope to be open by the end of December 2023, adding that there would be a large waiting room to accommodate customers so there will be no lines outside. They also have an agreement for 300 parking spaces
“Did you say 300 validations, not parking spaces?,” Manuel Solar Rivera asked.
Castelo said they made a deal with the Little Man Parking Company for parking.
Burke noted people would likely be parked there for about an hour at the most. Thus, there will be high turnover.
“Is there going to be some presence outside directing the clientele? Or some security enforced there?,” Rivera continued.
“We’ll direct people,” security consultant David Harger added.
“If the security plan is met, it makes no sense to oppose it. They have already shown a working security model,” Rivera concluded.
Russo asked if the applicant would be willing to help bolster either affordable housing and/or the local police department.
“Would there be any objection to giving the community givebacks to that sort of things?,” he asked, noting they previously did not have a Community Host Agreement (CHA) process in place.
“Absolutely 100 percent. We turn to you as guides,” Marcus indicated.
“You can say no. This is not quid pro quo,” Mondello said.
The board proposed that Terrapin fund the full salary of one police officer and give $50,000 to the Hoboken Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“We would open to all those ideas,” Marcus said.
Ultimately, the board approved the application unanimously (3-0).
 approved Terrapin Care Station for adult-use cannabis sales at last night's meeting.){kind=link}
The camel has succeeded in getting it’s nose into the tent. Nothing will stop it now.
Having 300 parking spots is a clear sign that they will overwhelm the the First Ward and Hoboken.
Supplying “medical” cannabis to the few was always just a ruse (pun intend) to get to the real money maker which getting as many people paying to get stoned as possible.
Shame on those who have lied and mislead the people of Hoboken.
It’s all a lie and making more “patients” stupid is what every regressive Democrat pol wants.
But I repeat myself.