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Surprising Military and Civilian Perspective Divide

Survey Findings Highlighting the Disconnect

Results from two of the most recent surveys conducted by Blue Star Families show a significant disconnect between civilians and the military regarding how much military families are appreciated for their sacrifices and service. These surveys highlight the expected and perceived levels of appreciation, revealing specific areas where the gaps are most pronounced.

The surveys indicate that while military families expect a higher level of appreciation, they often feel underappreciated. This disconnect is particularly evident in areas such as community support, financial assistance, and recognition of their contributions. The disparity in these areas can have profound effects on military families, impacting their emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

For instance, military families often report feeling isolated and unsupported, which can exacerbate the challenges they face, such as frequent relocations and the stress of deployment. The lack of perceived appreciation can lead to a sense of disconnect from the civilian community, further complicating their integration into civilian life post-service.

Civilian Underestimation of Military Sacrifices

One of the most striking findings from the surveys is the civilian underestimation of the sacrifices made by military families. This underestimation is rooted in several common misconceptions that need to be addressed.

Firstly, many civilians believe that military families receive adequate support and recognition for their service. This misconception is often fueled by a lack of direct interaction with military families and a limited understanding of the unique challenges they face. The surveys reveal that only 30% of civilians believe military families are sufficiently appreciated, while 70% of military families feel otherwise.

Real-life examples illustrate this gap. For example, a military spouse who has to constantly relocate may face difficulties finding employment due to a lack of job stability, which can be compounded by the civilian community’s lack of recognition of their contributions. This situation often leads to financial strain and emotional stress, which are not adequately addressed by civilian populations who might not fully understand the sacrifices involved.

Cannabis Industry Reactions to 2025 SEEF

New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association’s Stance

Todd Johnson, executive director of the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association, praised the 2025 Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF), which was approved by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. The rate of $2.50 was significantly lower than initially discussed, addressing many of the industry’s concerns.

Johnson acknowledged the concerns raised by the industry regarding the potential ramifications of a drastically increased SEEF. “The New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association appreciates the CRC’s deliberative and thoughtful approach in setting next year’s rate, and their willingness to listen to the concerns of the thousands of cannabis industry stakeholders and consumers who expressed grave concerns about the ramifications of a drastically increased SEEF,” he stated.

This moderate increase is seen as a balanced approach that allows the industry to navigate the increased cost of operations without requiring material price impacts for consumers. Johnson expressed hope that the CRC will take further steps in this direction, ensuring that the cannabis industry and budding entrepreneurs can thrive.

Balancing Act: Industry and Community Benefits

The impact of the $2.50 SEEF rate on cannabis operators is a topic of significant interest. The moderate rate is expected to help operators manage increased costs without significantly affecting consumer prices. This balance is crucial for maintaining market stability and ensuring that the cannabis industry can continue to grow and innovate.

Potential consumer price impacts have been a major concern for the industry. With the moderate SEEF rate, operators are better positioned to absorb the costs without passing them on to consumers. This approach is essential for sustaining the industry’s growth and ensuring that cannabis products remain accessible to a broad range of consumers.

Mitigations such as operational efficiencies and cost-sharing mechanisms can further help operators manage the increased costs. For example, some operators are exploring partnerships and collaborations to share resources and reduce overhead, ensuring that the SEEF does not disproportionately impact smaller businesses.

Future Collaboration and Advocacy

Moving forward, the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) is committed to continued advocacy and stakeholder engagement. The association has played a pivotal role in gathering feedback, recommendations, and real stories from operators regarding the SEEF’s impact on their businesses.

The NJCTA’s outreach efforts include collaborations with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, Stakeholder Listening Sessions, and direct advocacy with the Commission. These initiatives ensure that the voices of individual industry participants are amplified and that concerns are heard loud and clear.

Specific initiatives include developing comprehensive reports on the SEEF’s impact, organizing educational workshops for operators, and fostering dialogue between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies. These efforts aim to address concerns and amplify the voices of the cannabis industry, ensuring that the SEEF mechanism is designed to benefit both the industry and underserved communities.

Potential next steps for the CRC and NJCTA collaboration involve further refining the SEEF mechanism to ensure that funds raised and reinvested in underserved communities achieve the intentions of CREAMMA (Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act) while allowing the cannabis industry to thrive. This collaborative approach is essential for creating a sustainable and equitable cannabis market in New Jersey.

SEEF Mechanism: Addressing Community Needs

Fund Allocation and Reinvestment

The Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) mechanism is at the heart of the Cannabis Regulation, Enforcement and Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Municipalities Act (CREAMMA). The purposeful reinvestment in underserved communities is a cornerstone of this legislation, aiming to redress historical injustices and foster economic growth. CREAMMA’s intentions are to establish a fair and equitable system that directly addresses the needs of marginalized communities. To achieve community benefits, the SEEF revenue must be strategically allocated to programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for these communities.

Strategies include targeted investments in education, job training, and small business development. These efforts are designed to uplift and empower individuals and families within these communities, promoting a sustainable and inclusive economic environment. For instance, partnerships with local educational institutions can create scholarship programs for students from underserved neighborhoods, providing them with the opportunity to gain higher education and secure better employment opportunities.

Moreover, the SEEF revenues can fund business incubators and provide grants to budding entrepreneurs, particularly those from communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis policies. This not only fosters economic independence but also helps create a more diverse and competitive market, benefiting all stakeholders.

Ensuring Industry Growth and Entrepreneurship

The 2025 SEEF rate at $2.50, as approved by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, represents a moderate increase that balances the need for community reinvestment with the financial sustainability of the cannabis industry. This rate, compared to earlier discussions of a much higher fee, provides a more stable environment for businesses to operate and for new entrepreneurs to enter the market. Todd Johnson, executive director of the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association, highlighted the importance of this balanced approach. He stated that the trade association is eager to collaborate with the CRC to ensure the SEEF mechanism serves both the industry and the community effectively.

To foster a thriving cannabis industry, it is essential to create an ecosystem that supports both established businesses and new entrants. This can be achieved through the implementation of supportive policies and initiatives, such as tax incentives, regulatory clarity, and community partnerships. For example, by providing tax credits for businesses that hire from the community, the industry can contribute positively to local economies while also ensuring a steady workforce.

Future Implications and Recommendations

The moderate SEEF rate of $2.50 has significant long-term benefits for all stakeholders. For the community, it ensures a steady flow of funds that can be reinvested in social equity initiatives and community development programs. For the industry, it offers financial stability, enabling businesses to focus on growth and innovation without the burden of excessively high excise fees. However, to maximize these benefits, it is crucial to continuously evaluate and adjust the SEEF mechanism to align with evolving community needs and industry dynamics.

Geeksultd recommends that the industry proactively engage with community stakeholders to better understand their needs and tailor the benefits of the SEEF to create meaningful change. This proactive approach will not only enhance the reputation of the cannabis industry within the community but also foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for business growth. It is also important for the industry to advocate for regulatory policies that support fair business practices and protect consumer interests.

Practical Aspects for Geeksultd Audience

Insights for Industry Professionals

For cannabis businesses, adapting to the new SEEF rate requires a strategic approach. Understanding how the SEEF impacts operational costs and pricing strategies is critical. Businesses should conduct a thorough cost analysis to adjust their pricing models accordingly. For instance, a business might need to increase product prices slightly to absorb the SEEF costs, but it’s also important to communicate these changes transparently to customers to maintain trust and loyalty.

Geeksultd advises businesses to focus on operational efficiency and explore alternative revenue streams. Implementing technologies that streamline operations can help reduce overhead costs, and diversifying product lines can help stabilize revenue. Additionally, businesses should stay informed about potential future changes in the SEEF rate and be prepared to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Community Engagement and Support

Building strong ties with the local community is essential for cannabis businesses to thrive. Engaging with the community through sponsorships, community events, and local partnerships can significantly enhance the business’s reputation and foster goodwill. For instance, partnering with local schools to provide educational programs on cannabis use and abuse can position businesses as responsible community members. Additionally, supporting local charities and community projects through donations and volunteerism can further strengthen community ties.

Geeksultd encourages businesses to use the new SEEF revenue to fund community-based initiatives directly. This not only helps in addressing community needs but also ensures that businesses are seen as active contributors to community welfare, thereby fostering a positive image and support within the community.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

Cannabis industry professionals can play a pivotal role in shaping policy and influencing regulatory frameworks. Effective advocacy strategies include participating in stakeholder listening sessions, submitting formal comments on proposed regulations, and engaging with policymakers to voice industry concerns and suggestions. Geeksultd suggests that industry professionals leverage their collective voice to advocate for policies that support the growth of the cannabis industry while ensuring community benefits.

Collaborating with regulatory bodies such as the CannaBusiness Alliance and state regulators can lead to better outcomes for the industry. By providing detailed feedback on the SEEF mechanism and advocating for adjustments that support both industry growth and community reinvestment, industry professionals can help create a more equitable and sustainable cannabis market.