News & Insights

Bill Caruso Discusses NJ CAN 2020 Campaign Efforts to Raise Awareness for NJ's Cannabis Legalization Vote this Fall

Bill Caurso, Managing Director of Archer Public Affairs, discussed with Cannabis Business Times, the campaign fight to raise awareness for the adult-use cannabis ballot question, in their recent article, "NJ CAN 2020 Enlists Help of New Jersey Governor in Campaign’s Efforts to Support State’s Cannabis Referendum". ...read more

Legal Pot Would Bring A LOT of Taxes to NJ, Supporters Say

Archer & Greiner's, William J. Caruso, Esq., recently weighed in on the legalization and regulation of marijuana in New Jersey. ...read more

New Jersey Department of Health Calls for Six New Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

On July 16, 2018, the New Jersey Department of Health, Division of Medicinal Marijuana issued a Request for Applications seeking up to six (6) new applicants to operate medicinal marijuana dispensaries, resulting in two new dispensaries in each of the existing regions (north, central and south). ...read more

Tristate Area Wastes No Time Getting a Piece of the Sports Betting Action

It has been less than a month since the United States Supreme Court paved the way for legalized sports gambling throughout the county.  In that short time, the states in the tristate area have moved quickly to seize the opportunity. ...read more

Scutari Seeks to Re-criminalize Buying Small Amounts of Cannabis from Unlicensed Dealers

In the POLITICO article, “Scutari Seeks to Re-criminalize Buying Small Amounts of Cannabis from Unlicensed Dealers,” partner Bill Caruso, Chair of Archer’s Cannabis Group, commented on the New Jersey Senate President’s new proposal. On February 20, Nick Scutari proposed a bill to make knowingly buying cannabis from a business that’s not licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission a disorderly person’s offense, equivalent of a misdemeanor. Additionally, the legislation states that selling any amount of cannabis illegally would be a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison. ...read more

NJ Cannabis Regulators Punt Social Equity Tax Decision with Commission Split

In an October meeting, the five-member Cannabis Regulatory Commission was divided on how to approach a proposed tax increase to the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) on cannabis. The tax, paid by cannabis cultivators, goes towards communities impacted by the war on drugs. ...read more

Push to Raise State Fees on Legal Marijuana on Hold

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission says that they need more time to deliberate on a proposed rate hike for the current Social Equity Excise Fee. The tax, which currently sits at $1.24 per ounce is levied on all legal marijuana grown and sold statewide. The new proposal would see the rate skyrocket to $30 per ounce. ...read more

New Jersey Passes Bipartisan Bill Easing State’s Unfair Brewery Restrictions

Archer has successfully advocated for landmark legislation on behalf of New Jersey Brewers Association  ...read more

Bill Caruso Testified at Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on NJ Cannabis Implementation

Archer partner Bill Caruso testified as an invited guest for the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on NJ Cannabis implementation, held on June 23, 2023. Along with serving as Chair of Archer's Cannabis Practice, Bill is General Counsel for the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association (NJCBA), whose mission is to promote jobs and growth in a sustainable and responsible cannabis industry. The Senate Judiciary Committee held the hearing where industry leaders, experts, and social justice groups discussed issues related to the state's implementation of the recreational cannabis law, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's approval process for cannabis licenses, and concerns with the lack of diversity in the cannabis marketplace. ...read more

Bill Caruso Appeared on NJ Spotlight News to Discuss the Unregulated THC Compound Delta-8

Bill Caruso recently appeared on NJTV's nightly news program NJ Spotlight News. Bill was interviewed as part of a news report discussing Delta-8, a THC compound, and why NJ lawmakers are hurrying to ban Delta-8 products. Delta-8 is unregulated and can be purchased at gas stations and convenience stores, prompting concerns about its accessibility to children. Delta-8 is a psychoactive chemical that can produce a high, but doesn’t give the same effects as cannabis products derived from Delta-9, which is regulated. ...read more

The Second Act of Cannabis Event

Attorneys Bill Caruso and Douglas Diaz will be serving as panelists during the NJBIA half-day cannabis industry conference “The Second Act of Cannabis in the Garden State.” Conference attendees will explore real impacts to New Jersey businesses operating in the recreational cannabis marketplace. The event will focus on employer human resources challenges any business can face, including liabilities and risks, and will discuss how the cannabis industry may evolve under a new federal administration. During the conference, Bill, who is chair of Archer’s Cannabis Group, will serve as moderator for the  program “Cannabis Market Trends Impacting New Jersey Businesses.” Douglas, a member of Archer’s Labor & Employment Group, will be a panelist for the program “Balancing the Highs - Employee Policies and Workplace Practices in a Cannabis-Legal World.” ...read more

Regulatory Updates at the Federal and State Levels

Bill Caruso, who chairs Archer’s Cannabis group, will be presenting the program “Regulatory Updates at the Federal and State Levels” at MJ Unpacked, a 3-day cannabis-industry conference. Join Bill and other experts as they break down the impacts cannabis operators, owners and investors are facing under legislative and compliance developments. Discover the latest in key policy shifts, how state-level regulations are adapting to market demands and the ongoing regulatory challenges surrounding intoxicating hemp-derived products. ...read more

Cannabis Workshop

Partner Bill Caruso will serve as the moderator for the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey’s “Cannabis Workshop.” Joining Bill will be a panel of industry leaders, who will be discussing the current state of cannabis and its future. ...read more