A 1813 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes Cannabis Certified Worker Grant Program and Social Equity Certified Worker Hiring Grant Program; makes appropriation.

This bill establishes two grant programs under New Jersey's Department of Labor to support workforce development in the cannabis industry. It creates a **Cannabis Certified Worker Grant Program** for training programs (e.g., retail, cultivation, manufacturing) and a **Social Equity Certified Worker Hiring Grant Program** to help businesses hire workers from underrepresented groups. Eligible applicants - including community organizations, colleges, and cannabis businesses - must partner with the industry, demonstrate workforce needs, and report on outcomes like enrollment, completion rates, and job placements for minorities, disabled veterans, and women. Funds cannot replace existing programs or displace current workers, and annual reports will track program effectiveness.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
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P
Photo of Anthony Verrelli
Anthony Verrelli
DDemocratic
NJ
15