The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) approved regulations for cannabis consumption lounges during its January 17th meeting. These rules establish a framework for medical and adult-use operators seeking to integrate consumption spaces within their dispensaries. Upon approval by the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law, the rules will go into effect, with dispensary operators required to secure municipal approval for a consumption area to receive final clearance from the NJ-CRC.

The regulations mandate that consumption areas must be attached to a dispensary, limiting retailers to one consumption area regardless of the number of dispensaries they own. In addition, adequate ventilation through an HVAC system is mandatory to prevent smoke or vapors from affecting neighboring areas. Notably, the sale of food, alcohol, tobacco, or nicotine products within the consumption lounge is prohibited.

Consumers, including both medical cannabis patients and adult-use customers, can bring their own cannabis products into lounges. Operators have the flexibility to make decisions on operational aspects such as entry fees, hours of operation, priority access for medical patients, and hosting paid events.

Municipalities retain the authority to implement additional rules, including limitations on the number of consumption areas within their jurisdictions.

This move holds particular significance for communities that are limited in where they can use cannabis—most notably, renters who cannot consume cannabis at home, unlike homeowners who have greater freedom.

[View source.]