New Jersey Cannabis Commission to Hold Virtual Meetings on How Social Equity Excise Fee Dollars Should Be Spent

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

December 10, 2025

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) announced a series of virtual meetings to collect public input on allocating funds from the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) generated by recreational cannabis sales. These meetings will inform the CRC's recommendations to the Governor and Legislature regarding social equity investments. Scheduled via Zoom, the sessions are region-specific: Northern region on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Central region on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; and Southern region on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. Public participation is encouraged, with options to register for speaking or submit written comments via nj.gov/cannabis/meetings under the “Public Hearings” tab. The SEEF stems from the CREAMM Act, which legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021. Under this law, all tax revenues, fees, and fines collected by the NJ-CRC are directed to the CREAMM Fund, with the Legislature appropriating investments in designated Impact Zones. SEEF funds are specifically earmarked for social equity initiatives, including support for individuals adversely affected by past marijuana convictions, affordable housing, educational programs, mental health services, and enhanced workforce development funding. The CRC establishes the annual SEEF rate and conducts input sessions, but the Legislature holds final authority on appropriations through the state budget. Previous CRC recommendations to the Legislature, covering periods such as June 2025, May 2024, February 2023, and June 2022, are available at nj.gov/cannabis/resources/reports-stats-info. The CRC oversees regulations for cannabis licensing, cultivation, testing, sales, and purchases in New Jersey.

Article 5