Blue Violets Wins Back the Rights to Open its Micro Cannabis Dispensary in Hoboken, NJ and Creates New Law in the Process

Cole Schotz represented our client in winning back the rights to open its micro cannabis dispensary in Hoboken, New Jersey. While the dispensary initially received approval for conditional use, the future of the company was unclear after the City of Hoboken implemented ordinances changes affecting the cannabis industry. Blue Violets was first granted conditional use approval for the dispensary, but then the trial court vacated the Resolution based on the change in Hoboken’s ordinances, with a disagreement regarding the Time of Application Rule. The entire lawsuit revolved around the issue of first impression (i.e., whether an application to a review board created by a town/city/borough constitutes an “application for development” for purposes of triggering the Time of Application Rule). Through its ruling, the Appellate Division essentially created new law in the state. The Cole Schotz team was led by Michael Klauder, along with Robert DiPisa, Joseph Barbiere, and Jonathan Goodelman.