New Jersey has become the cool uncle at the family reunion, finally allowing cannabis consumption lounges at dispensaries. This move puts New Jersey in the ‘cool kids’ club with several other states who’ve made the same progressive leap of faith.
In a move that has New Jersey cannabis enthusiasts doing a happy dance, the state has rolled out the green carpet for cannabis consumption lounges at dispensaries. This news, according to our friends at NJBiz, came out of a meeting on January 17, where the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) gave a unanimous thumbs up to a regulatory framework. The new rules allow both medical dispensaries and recreational retailers to set up their very own “puff, puff, pass” spaces.
This change, first whispered about in December 2022, brings with it a rulebook detailing the ABCs of setting up these chill-out zones. The rules have a ‘one lounge per customer’ policy, meaning a cannabis business can only operate one lounge, regardless of how many Class 5 Retailer licenses or Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) dispensary permits they hold. Moreover, these lounges are strictly BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) zones, as selling food is a no-go, but customers can bring their own munchies or have them delivered.
Another vital part of these regulations is the ‘bring your own stash’ allowance for medicinal cannabis patients. They can bring cannabis items from other retailers for personal use in these lounges, according to the report. However, the sale of tobacco products and alcohol is as welcome as a skunk at a garden party, and patrons must be at least 21 years old and must flash a photo ID to get in.
The licensing fee structure for these lounges is also laid out, with microbusiness retailers coughing up $1,000 and standard retailers $5,000, as per the CRC. These endorsements, which are as essential for running consumption areas as chips are for a Netflix binge, are valid for one year and require an annual renewal.
Jeff Brown, the big cheese at the CRC, has promised that details on license applications will be available faster than you can say “cannabis consumption lounge” three times fast. This announcement follows a 60-day public comment period initiated by the CRC after the preliminary framework approval last winter. The finalized rules are expected to be published in the New Jersey Register next month, marking their official enactment.
As New Jersey joins the ‘in-crowd’ of U.S. states that have given the green light to on-site cannabis consumption at dispensaries, this move reflects a broader shift towards more progressive cannabis policies. It sets a precedent for other states, who might be considering similar regulations, to stop bogarting and join the party.
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