Exclusive: Nabis Fast-Tracks New Jersey Entry Through Strategic Cannabis Distribution Deal

Nabis, the largest licensed cannabis wholesale platform in California, Nevada, and New York, is expanding into the New Jersey regulated market through a strategic partnership with Hudson Distribution Services. The deal gives Nabis a New Jersey cannabis distribution license and control of Hudson’s warehouse lease, providing immediate access to turnkey logistics infrastructure as the company prepares to begin onboarding brands and retailers ahead of a planned launch of its wholesale technology platform and distribution services in the second half of 2026.

Hudson Distribution is part of the Hudson family of companies, which built one of the largest print distribution networks in the Northeast. James S. Cohen, CEO of Hudson Distribution and head of the Hudson Media group, said the partnership reflects a natural extension of that legacy.

“Retail distribution is our very DNA, for over 100 years we distributed magazines, books, and newspapers to retailers and consumers throughout the Northeast, often within hours of those products hitting our docks from suppliers,” Cohen said in a statement about the new relationship. “We know distribution and logistics, and so we know that Nabis is the best choice to provide continuity to the burgeoning cannabis distribution channel and help grow our partners across New Jersey and beyond.”

Deals Offers Nabis Speed to Market

For Nabis, the acquisition offers a faster and more efficient path into a market that continues to mature. In an interview with IgniteIt, Nabis CEO and co‑founder Vince Ning said buying an existing license eliminates months of regulatory review and gives the company confidence in the compliance foundation it is inheriting. 

“The licensing process in New Jersey is pretty rigorous because the government does a good job of checking all the submitted information and making sure you comply with the regulations,” Ning said. “Buying their license gives us confidence as well, just knowing their high standard of excellence.”

The warehouse lease adds another layer of speed. Hudson’s facilities are already built for distribution, and the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has previously inspected and approved the site. Ning said that it shaves off weeks of lead time and avoids the uncertainty that often comes with securing cannabis‑friendly landlords.

Just as important, he added, is Hudson’s institutional knowledge of the state. 

“They know all the local businesses, business owners, and local council members,” Ning said. “Having those relationships is incredibly helpful going into a new market because cannabis is still half operational. We have to understand the culture of the local community.”

Nabis views the tri‑state region as a strategic anchor for its national footprint, especially as policymakers continue to debate the future of interstate commerce. Ning said the company is building from both coasts, with California and Nevada on one side and New York and New Jersey on the other. 

“It starts with geographical stakes in the ground because we need major hubs on the west coast and east coast,” he said. “It will be easier to fan out from those regional culture centers and move inwards from there.”

Preparing For Rescheduling

Nabis is also preparing for the federal rescheduling order, which moves medical cannabis to Schedule III. Ning said the shift creates a new lane of federally recognized medical distribution that Nabis intends to support. 

“Our goal is to be the backbone of the entire industry, no matter what legislative policy enables, on whichever side of the industry,” he said. 

Nabis is watching for DEA guidance on federal distribution licensing and hopes to see the medical framework eventually expand to adult‑use operators.