New Brunswick, NJ Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Section 5.09.010 states that the City of New Brunswick opts in to allow legal cannabis establishments of all six license classes enabled by the State of New Jersey, and bars anyone from operating a cannabis related business in the city without a license under P.L. 2021, c. 16 and Chapter 5.09. Section 5.09.030 lists the classes: Class 1 cultivation, Class 2 manufacturing, Class 3 wholesaling, Class 4 distribution, Class 5 retail and Class 6 delivery. Section 5.09.040 ties each class to a zone under Title 17 and caps the count: Class 5 has 2 licenses in CAN-RD and 1 in CAN-RE, while Classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are uncapped in CAN-CMD.

The city council cannot issue resolutions of support beyond the number of licenses permitted. An applicant files with the city administrator, pays a nonrefundable $10,000 application fee ($5,000 for a micro business), and must include a letter from the zoning official confirming the location complies with city zoning and the location restrictions. The cannabis advisory committee evaluates each application, the council acts within sixty days of the committee's recommendation, and a resolution of support gives the applicant twelve months to win a state license. Section 5.09.050 sets hours: retail 10:00 a.m. to Midnight, or 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. if closer than 200 feet from a residential zone (any zone designated with an R-); cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, wholesaling and delivery run 24 hours, or 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. within 200 feet of an R- zone. Section 5.09.020 bans on-premises consumption at licensed establishments, including outdoor areas.