New Jersey regulators are now accepting applications to operate cannabis consumption lounges from all licensed marijuana dispensaries.
As of Wednesday, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) has opened its portal for prospective licensees to receive “consumption area application endorsements,” from “all Class 5 retail operators.”
In January, officials first started accepting applications from social equity marijuana licensees before opening it up to diversely owned businesses and microbusinesses in April.
Now, more than a year after NJ-CRC finalized rules for consumption lounges, any cannabis dispensary can apply.
“Cannabis consumption areas are attached to licensed dispensaries, must have municipal approval and comply with strict regulations to ensure public safety,” NJ-CRC said in a notice last week.
The endorsement application fee is $1,000, consisting of $200 for the initial submission and another $800 that would be paid upon approval. There are also annual licensing fees in the amount of $1,000 for microbusinesses and $5,000 for standard businesses.
“License applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until indicated otherwise,” the commission said.
The commission also provided a step-by-step informational video about how to submit the applications.
Under the rules, consumption lounges cannot sell food or alcohol, but adults 21 and older can bring food or have it delivered if the local government allows it. Medical cannabis patients would be able to bring their own marijuana products.
NJ-CRC members have said they expect the addition of cannabis consumption areas will have a positive economic benefit for the state by generating more tax revenue from marijuana sales and annual fees.
Meanwhile, New Jersey officials recently completed the curriculum of a no-cost marijuana training academy that’s meant to support entrepreneurs interested in entering the cannabis industry.
Separately, New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari (D) recently filed a bill that would re-criminalize purchasing marijuana from unlicensed sources—one of the latest attempts to crack down on the illicit market and steer adults toward licensed retailers.
In March, a former New Jersey Senate leader unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination this year said “it is time” to give medical marijuana patients an option to grow their own cannabis plants for personal use. He also pledged to expand clemency for people impacted by marijuana criminalization if elected, and he expressed support for the establishment of cannabis consumption lounges.
The comments from Steve Sweeney, who was the longest-serving Senate president in the state’s history, on home grow depart from what current Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has said on multiple occasions, arguing that the state’s adult-use marijuana market needs to further mature before home grow is authorized.
Seemingly contradicting that claim, dozens of New Jersey small marijuana businesses and advocacy groups recently called on the legislature to allow adults to cultivate their own cannabis.
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Photo courtesy of Martin Alonso.
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