Despite cannabis being legal in many states, smoking in public is still largely taboo. As an alternative, a few states have legalized cannabis lounges—social consumption spaces that are attached to dispensaries, giving consumers the chance to buy and use weed in a streamlined process. Two weeks ago, New Jersey opened applications to operate these lounges, and results have come quickly. On Tuesday, NJ’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved four cannabis consumption lounges to begin business, a decision that’s been a long time coming.
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The four businesses—High Rollers Dispensary, SunnyTien Dispensary, Ginseng, and URB’N Dispensary—endured three application rounds before being approved to open. They are all considered Diversely Owned Businesses by the state Department of Treasury, meaning each company is either minority-owned, woman-owned, or disabled veteran-owned.
“We are beyond relieved to finally have our CRC approval on our consumption lounge. Construction has been completed for over two years, the dispensary has been operational for over 15 months, and we’re finally able to expand our business to its original design and potential,” Spencer Belz from SunnyTien told GreenState.
Consumers aged 21 and above will be able to purchase and consume cannabis in these establishments, promoting responsible consumption practices. The four lounges will not be opened until each passes a final inspection by state regulators.
“Whether individuals cannot consume cannabis inside their homes or simply wish to consume cannabis legally and responsibly, these areas provide a practical solution. We are proud to support this next phase of safe-use infrastructure in our state,” said commission chair Dianna Hoeunou.
NJ consumption lounges will be prohibited from selling food or alcohol, but patrons can bring food or have it delivered at the discretion of local governments. They will also have the ability to partner with rideshare services to ensure that attendees get home safely by discouraging buzzed driving. Medical users are also able to bring their own flower to smoke.
“Consumption lounges are new for Jersey. This will be a learning experience to see what works, what our customers want, and what supports our brands. We look forward to this journey and the opportunity to make history in this cannabis market,” said Belz.
The state continues to take rolling applications for additional lounges.
This advancement comes at a time of New Jersey’s increased condemnation of the illicit market. In May, a bill was filed in the state that would make operating an unlicensed marijuana business a third-degree crime—purchasing from one would be a disorderly persons offense. Running “illegal marijuana business networks” would be classified as a second-degree crime. The state is also known for its exorbitantly high weed prices, making participation in the legal market hard for some.
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Still, this bill marks an exciting time for New Jersey’s legal weed business owners and consumers. As lounges hopefully continue to pop up around the state, stoners will have the chance to build a widespread community and to share what makes cannabis special to them.