During the public meeting that took place on July 15, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) announced that it has authorized four consumption area endorsements. This represents a significant step forward in the process of extending access to safe and regulated venues for the use of cannabis in the state of New Jersey.
Consumption area endorsements make it possible for licensed cannabis merchants to establish designated areas where individuals who are at least 21 years old and who are using cannabis for medical purposes can legally consume cannabis on the premises as well as recreational users.
This is a significant achievement for the cannabis sector in the state of New Jersey. According to the Chairwoman of the Commission, Dianna Houenou, these designated areas offer consumers options for the consumption of cannabis that are both safe and comply with the law. The provision of these locations offers a practical alternative for persons who are unable to consume cannabis within their own homes or who just desire to consume cannabis in a manner that is both legal and responsible. This next generation of safe-use infrastructure in our state is something that we are proud to give our support to.
High Rollers Dispensary and SunnyTien Dispensary, both of which are located in Atlantic City, Gynsyng, which is located in Merchantville, and URB’N Dispensary, which is located in Newark, are the organizations that have been granted approval for consumption area endorsements. All of these companies are certified as Diversely Owned Businesses by the New Jersey Department of Treasury, which means that every single one of them is owned by a minority, a woman, or a disabled veteran.
Applicants were required to first get municipal approval and fulfill particular facility, safety, and ventilation standards as outlined in the Notice of Application Addendum provided by the New Jersey Consumer Rights Commission in order to be eligible for a consumption area endorsement. Once the merchants have obtained approval from the state, they will be required to undergo a final site inspection before their consumption zones can begin operating for business purposes.
There is an expectation that those who possess an endorsement for an approved consumption location would uphold stringent requirements in order to guarantee that consumption spaces continue to be safe, well-managed, and in accordance with state law.
For additional information on the requirements for consumption area endorsements, including application instructions and resources for towns, please visit the website located at www.nj.gov/cannabis.
