NJ Weed Board Gives Green Light to Smoke Spots Protocol

Yo, what’s good fam? It’s your boy, Dan, here to drop some knowledge on the latest news in the cannabis game. Listen up, cuz the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) just had a lit meeting on Jan. 17 and they straight up approved regulations for consumption lounges. That’s right, they’re bringing the party to the people!

According to a press release from the CRC, these rules still gotta be approved by the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law, but once that’s done, dispensary operators can start seeking municipal approval to get endorsed by the CRC for a dope consumption lounge. You feel me? These endorsements last for one year and gotta be renewed annually. Gotta stay on top of your game, ya know?

The big boss man, Jeff Brown, executive director of the CRC, said in a statement that these consumption lounges gonna be a game-changer for New Jersey’s cannabis industry. He straight up said, “New Jersey’s cannabis industry is about to blow up and these consumption areas gonna take it to the next level. It’s all about creating a dope community experience for those 21 and older to enjoy cannabis in a safe and regulated spot.” Word.

Now, here’s the deal with these lounges. They can’t just be standalone spots. Nah, they gotta be connected to a retail store. If a dispensary got multiple locations, they only allowed to have one consumption space. Gotta keep things fair and square, ya feel me?

But here’s where it gets interesting. These lounges gotta have some tight ventilation systems to keep that smoke and vapor from messing with the neighbors. Can’t be stinking up the place! And you can forget about buying food, alcohol, tobacco, or nicotine products at these spots. But hey, you can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Plus, medical cannabis patients can bring their own stash as long as they got permission to smoke it there. Gotta keep it legal, yo.

Now, let’s talk about the cash. Opening a consumption lounge gonna cost you $5,000 upfront, and then you gotta pay an annual fee to keep the party going. But if you a microbusiness, you only gotta drop $1,000 for that annual fee. Gotta save those dollar bills, ya know?

The CRC said that these lounges gonna have some freedom to set their own rules. They can decide on the operating hours, fees for the consumption area, priority access for medical cannabis patients, and even throw paid events if they feel like it. But don’t forget, they still gotta follow the rules set by their local municipality. Gotta play by the book, my friends.

The chairperson of the CRC, Dianna Houenou, also gave her two cents on the matter. She said that having a safe spot to consume cannabis is important for everyone. It ain’t just about having a good time; it’s about giving people equal access to enjoy legal cannabis products in a chill environment. Especially for folks who rent and can’t smoke at home like those baller homeowners. Ya heard?

But hold up, fam. The CRC ain’t accepting applications for these lounges just yet. Houenou said there’s still a couple more steps to go through before they start handing out permits to party. Gotta be patient and stay tuned for more updates.

Now, let’s head over to Jersey City where Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez is about to open up her two-story building. The first floor gonna be her dope dispensary called The Other Side Dispensary, and the second floor gonna be a spot for smoke-and-yoga events or comedy nights if she gets endorsed by the CRC. She say it’s all about creating safe spaces to consume and connecting with people. Gotta keep that culture of cannabis alive, you know what I’m saying?

Just so you know, cannabis sales been legal in New Jersey since April 2022. The CRC been working hard to make these consumption lounges a reality. They proposed the rules back in December 2022 and gave the public 60 days to speak their minds. Gotta give the people a chance to be heard, ya feel me?

Scott Rudder, president of the New Jersey Cannabusiness Association, been pushing for consumption lounges from the start. He said that patients gonna have a chill spot to enjoy their medication, but now regular consumers gonna have a spot to kick back, relax, and have a good time. But Rudder also thinks some business owners gonna wait and see before they jump on the lounge train. Gotta be smart about it, my friends.

Over in Nevada, they way ahead of the game when it comes to consumption lounges. They got a bunch of licenses approved and these lounges just getting started. Planet 13 in Las Vegas even got a release date set for April 20, 2024. Gonna be a lit party!

Clark County commissioner Tick Segerbloom said that 2024 gonna be the year for these lounges in Nevada. It’s gonna be a major part of the economy and bring big things. Layke Martin, executive director of the Nevada Cannabis Association, said that business owners still learning the ropes since these lounges are new territory. They gotta focus on ventilation, security, safety, and training. Gotta do it right, ya dig?

So there you have it, fam. Consumption lounges getting closer to becoming a reality in New Jersey. It’s all about creating safe spaces to consume and enjoy that green goodness. Keep an eye out for more updates because this gonna be big. Stay tuned, my friends!