NEW JERSEY – New Jersey has officially approved the establishment of cannabis lounges, allowing public consumption of marijuana in designated areas.
This development comes three years after the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state. While this move is seen as a progressive step by many, including cannabis consumers like Kevin Soriano, cannabis retailers are expressing concerns over the operational and financial viability of these lounges.
The newly adopted rules by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission permit the setup of privately-owned lounges for cannabis consumption. However, these lounges face significant restrictions. For instance, the sale of food, alcohol, and tobacco within these lounges is prohibited, although customers can order food from outside sources.
The current rules, however, do not fully support the successful operation of cannabis lounges. Dispensary owners are now advocating for a revision of these rules to make cannabis lounges more financially sustainable.
As the rule enters the state’s official register, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is facing calls from business owners to reconsider and modify the regulations to better align with the operational realities of running cannabis lounges. The commission has yet to respond to these requests, leaving the future of these lounges and their impact on the cannabis industry in New Jersey uncertain.