New Jersey took a big step by approving its first cannabis lounges, which are attached to licensed marijuana dispensaries. This marks a new age for cannabis use in New Jersey.
In mid-July, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) endorsed consumption lounges at four dispensaries—High Rollers and SunnyTien in Atlantic City, Gynsyng in Merchantville, and URB’N in Newark—paving the way for on-site use spaces where adults 21+ can legally smoke or consume edibles after purchase. These businesses are diversely owned—minority-owned, woman-owned, or veteran-owned—categorized under the state’s social equity and diversity priority system.
All Class 5 dispensaries were able to apply for consumption lounge licences on the 2nd of July. The fee structure includes $200 upon submission, $800 after approval and annual licensing fees (microbusinesses) or standard businesses (standard businesses) of $1000 (microbusinesses). The state, municipal, and safety regulations must be met before the facility can open.
These spaces, once operational, will function more like bars. Adults 21 years and older are required to show a photo ID. They cannot have cannabis outside (except for registered medical patients) and they can’t consume alcohol or tobacco on site. Food can be brought in by customers or delivered but the business cannot sell directly. The final inspections of each lounge are being conducted before opening, and the expected dates for openings is within weeks.