JERSEY CITY — Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez, a twice-disabled Navy combat veteran and founder of The Other Side Dispensary, filed a tort claim notice against the City of Jersey City on July 15, signaling a potential class-action lawsuit over the city’s cannabis licensing process and municipal oversight.
The filing starts a statutory review period during which the city and the claimant may negotiate, seek settlement or mediation. According to the notice, if the dispute is not resolved by the end of August, Brevard-Rodriguez and other impacted operators intend to proceed with formal litigation seeking monetary damages and broader accountability for what they describe as a politically influenced and flawed municipal process.
What this means for residents and local operators
The action puts renewed scrutiny on how Jersey City implemented its cannabis licensing framework under New Jersey’s CREAMMA law, particularly the extent to which municipalities may exercise "home rule" authority in ways plaintiffs say frustrated equity-promoting state policy. For residents, the case could affect the pace and character of local cannabis storefront openings and future city oversight policies.
The plaintiff is both a veteran and entrepreneur: she served 10 years in the Navy, identifies as twice-disabled, and founded The Other Side Dispensary. In the tort claim notice and accompanying statements, she framed the dispute as far broader than her own business interests, saying the city’s approach harmed equity-focused applicants statewide.
"Cannabis was supposed to be a path toward restoration, economic mobility, and community reinvestment," she said.
City officials have not provided a public response to the notice in the reporting available. The statutory review window allows municipal counsel time to evaluate the claim and engage in settlement discussions before any lawsuit is filed.
- Filing date: July 15, 2026 (tort claim notice submitted)
- Deadline to resolve: End of August 2026 (statutory review period)
- Potential outcome: Formal lawsuit including possible class-action claims if unresolved
Background and potential consequences
Brevard-Rodriguez alleges Jersey City abused its limited authority under the "home rule" provision of CREAMMA by structuring local processes that, she says, delayed or distorted access for equity applicants. The Other Side Dispensary had been identified among the city’s diverse applicants and aligned with state equity objectives for the adult-use market.
If litigation moves forward, it could prompt changes in how Jersey City evaluates cannabis applicants, the transparency of its selection process, and the degree of municipal discretion permitted under state law. The case may also influence other municipalities in New Jersey that have adopted local licensing controls and have faced similar equity-related criticism.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Claimant | Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez, twice-disabled Navy veteran, founder of The Other Side Dispensary |
| Action | Tort claim notice against City of Jersey City |
| Next steps | Statutory review period; possible settlement or class-action filing if unresolved by end of August 2026 |
Local cannabis entrepreneurs and community groups following equity implementation in Jersey City should watch the city’s response and any subsequent filings. The matter raises core questions about the balance between state equity goals and municipal authority, and whether municipal practices matched the intent of state law.
News Block will continue to follow developments, including any official statements from Jersey City Hall, the municipal law department, and counsel for The Other Side Dispensary as the statutory review period progresses.
