4 N.J. dispensaries get the green light to open cannabis consumption lounges

The state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved four stores Tuesday that will allow customers to smoke weed in a cafe-like format.

The additions to the stores are known as consumption lounges, where consumers who are 21 years or older can buy weed and also find a place to smoke. The retailers still have to pass a final inspection from state regulators before the lounges open for business.

“This is a major milestone in New Jersey’s cannabis industry. These designated spaces provide consumers with safe and legal options for cannabis consumption,” said commission chair Dianna Houenou. “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.”

The stores approved included High Rollers Dispensary and SunnyTien Dispensary in Atlantic City, Gynsyng in Merchantville, and URB’N Dispensary located in Newark.

All are considered Diversely Owned Businesses, which means each business is either minority-owned, woman-owned, or disabled veteran-owned, as certified by the state Department of Treasury.

Some businesses are looking forward to using the lounges as something that can further engage customers.

“It can set us apart and we can add that extra service,” said Ramez Maxemous, manager at URB’N dispensary. “Education, actually opening the weed and smelling it, talking about it. We’re going to do events when we drop new strains.”

Consumption lounges can partner with rideshare services to make sure patrons get back home safely. The lounges can also serve as a place where consumers can be given demonstrations on how to use or roll their own weed.

The dispensaries have to show good faith efforts to make sure legal weed is being consumed and also have to seek the permission of their local town to create one.

The state is taking applications on a rolling basis.

Maxemous said he didn’t know the store had been approved until the commission had said their names at the meeting.

“We were screaming, we were all going nuts,” he said. “It was a long time coming.”

Jelani Gibson may be reached at jgibson@njadvancemedia.com.