As New Jersey’s first marijuana consumption lounges are opening, regulators are sharing information about where to find the sites and offering tips about how to responsibly use cannabis at the licensed businesses—including classic stoner cultural customs like “puff, puff, pass.”
About a week after New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s (NJCRC) first license for a social consumption lounge was granted, the regulators announced that “cannabis smokers now have legal places to smoke marijuana socially outside of their homes.”
Currently, there are a few sites that offer consumption services. More license holders will be opening soon.
NJ-CRC: “Imagine meeting up with your friends at happy hour but in a cannabis lounge rather than a bar. And without any alcohol.”
The report stated that not everyone smokes or uses cannabis in their homes. Tourists are denied access to smoking areas, while people who live in apartments may have policies prohibiting it altogether.
It continues, “Consumption zones also remove stigmas and stereotypes associated with cannabis usage.” The areas provide a space for adult cannabis users to do so in an environment that is safe, legal, and communal. They can also ask questions about cannabis use and safety in real time.
The commission gave advice on how cannabis newbies can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. They explained the legal rules surrounding marijuana consumption in public places, as well as the safety measures that should be taken.
Avoid unpleasant situations, both for yourself and those around you. NJ-CRC advised to “pace yourself. Stick to your comfort zone and do not feel pressured to eat more than what you normally would.” Never force someone to go beyond their comfort zone.
Another piece of advice is to stay hydrated, and eat before using marijuana. “A full stomach and sufficient hydration may help alleviate or reduce unwanted effects.”
“Say no to dose stacking. “Cannabis, particularly edibles, may take up to two hours to kick in, and can be more potent than you expect,” the article said. It said, “Do not use more cannabis until you have felt the full effect of your previous consumption.”
Commission: “If sharing is done, you should take two puffs, then pass the other way. But it’s okay to refrain from doing so, even if it means your own or others’ health.”
NJ-CRC also stressed that planning ahead is necessary to make sure people visiting consumption lounges return home safely. This means not driving under the influence. Commission recommends ride-sharing services, public transport or having an sober driver on hand.
“Driving while impaired–no matter the impairing substance – is against the law,” it said.
The four initial approved consumption lounge businesses that were announced last month—High Rollers Dispensary, SunnyTien Dispensary, Gynsyng and URB’N Dispensary—come from the application pool from the diversely owned licensee category.
NJ-CRC began accepting applications from licensed marijuana dispensaries to open cannabis consumption lounges in July. The application process began months earlier, when officials started by accepting social equity licensees and then opened it to all micro-businesses and businesses owned by diverse groups.
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.
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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. Cannabis patients who need to use medical marijuana could bring in their products.
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.
Meanwhile, New Jersey officials recently completed the curriculum of a no-cost marijuana training academy that’s meant to support entrepreneurs interested in entering the cannabis industry.
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 (D), who has stated on numerous occasions that the adult-use market in New Jersey needs more time to mature before home grows are allowed, departs from what current Gov.
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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