New Jersey’s regulators now accept applications from licensed marijuana dispensaries to run cannabis consumption lounges.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission opened their portal on Wednesday for potential licensees who wish to obtain “consumption areas application endorsements” from all Class 5 Retail Operators.
In January, they began by accepting the applications of socially equitable marijuana licensees. They then opened it to all businesses in April.
After more than one year, the NJ-CRC has finalized its rules on consumption lounges. Any cannabis dispensary may now apply.
In a recent notice, NJ-CRC stated that “Cannabis consumption zones are located at licensed dispensaries. They must be approved by the municipality and adhere to strict rules to protect public safety.”
Fees for endorsement applications are $1,000. This includes $200 to submit the application and $800 upon approval. There are also annual licensing fees in the amount of $1,000 for microbusinesses and $5,000 for standard businesses.
The commission stated that “License requests will be reviewed and accepted on a continuous basis, unless otherwise indicated.”
It also produced a video that explains how to complete the forms.
According to the regulations, the consumption lounges are not allowed to sell alcohol or food. However, adults over 21 can order food from a local restaurant or bring their own food if they wish. Patients who are on medical cannabis would be allowed to carry their marijuana.
NJ-CRC Members have stated that they believe the addition of cannabis use areas to the state will generate more revenue through marijuana sales, annual fees and taxes.
New Jersey has recently finished the curriculum for a marijuana-training academy, which is free and aimed at entrepreneurs who are interested in the cannabis business.
Separately, New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari (D) recently filed a bill that would re-criminalize purchasing marijuana from unlicensed sources—one of the latest attempts to crack down on the illicit market and steer adults toward licensed retailers.
In March, a former New Jersey Senate leader unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination this year said “it is time” to give medical marijuana patients an option to grow their own cannabis plants for personal use. In March, the former New Jersey Senate leader who unsuccessfully ran for Democratic gubernatorial nomination this year said “it is time” to give medical marijuana patients an option to grow their own cannabis plants for personal use.
Steve Sweeney’s comments on the home-grow issue, as the former longest serving Senate President in state history, differ from those of the current Governor. Phil Murphy, the Democratic Party’s leader in Connecticut, has repeatedly stated that home-grown marijuana should not be allowed until after the market for adult-use cannabis matures.
Seemingly contradicting that claim, dozens of New Jersey small marijuana businesses and advocacy groups recently called on the legislature to allow adults to cultivate their own cannabis.
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Martin Alonso is the photographer.
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