New Jersey Regulators Approve Cannabis Consumption Lounge Rules

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) last week approved its proposed ruleset for cannabis consumption lounges in the state, the New Jersey Monitor reports.

The proposed rules would allow for indoor or outdoor enclosed consumption lounges at any licensed cannabis retailer. Consumption lounges in the state will need to be approved by the NJ-CRC directly as well as local authorities. Lounge employees will be required to provide safe environments for people to consume cannabis and workers would be prohibited from “overselling” to consumers, the report said. Additionally, like the state’s retail rules, patrons of the consumption lounges will be required to show photo ID demonstrating they are at least 21 years old.

The state’s cannabis regulators voted unanimously to approve the rules, which next will enter a 60-day public comment period before officials can reconsider and finalize the regulations.

“I truly believe that this rule proposal, like everything else we’ve tried to do, adequately balances both equity and safety and will open up new opportunities for businesses and consumers.” — Jeff Brown, NJ-CRC’s Executive Director, via the Monitor

The proposed rules carry a $1,000 application fee for all applicants but, if approved, microbusinesses will face a $1,000 licensing fee while a standard consumption lounge business license would cost $5,000, the report said.

Cannabis sales launched in New Jersey earlier this year on April 21 after Gov. Phil Murphy signed the state’s legalization law in February.