Spencer Belz has been involved in the regulated cannabis market in New Jersey for seven years, watching it grow from medicinal-only to legalized recreational use.
The chief operating officer of Atlantic City’s SunnyTien Dispensary likened the process of opening one of the state’s first cannabis consumption lounges to that of opening a bar in the post-prohibition era. He’s now at the head of one of the first four consumption lounges to open in the state.
“None of us thought that it would ever be possible,” he said, acknowledging the “taboo” that often surrounds the cannabis and marijuana industry.
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Members of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved consumption area endorsements for SunnyTien and High Rollers dispensaries, both located in Atlantic City, as well as Merchantville’s GynSyng on July 15. This allows the licensed retailers to create designated on-site spaces for customers 21 and older to consume cannabis either recreationally or medicinally, according to a press release from the commission.
These South Jersey businesses received final approvals from the state to open this July, and they represent three out of a total of four that been approved statewide.
GynSyng was the first to open their lounge in the Garden State on July 23, according to the business. The two Atlantic City locations followed shortly after on July 24, advertising their open doors via social media platforms and website homepages.
While each lounge has their own set of standards pertaining to potential pricing, membership opportunities, provided glassware and accessories and event schedules, all three must follow state regulations.
Customers entering the lounges must be 21 and older. The products in use must be sealed and purchased on-site with a receipt.
Medicinal users with a valid state card are permitted to bring product not purchased on-site to either GynSyng or High Rollers, but the packaging must be sealed, unexpired and include a receipt. Medicinal users are also to incur a $5 cover fee at High Rollers, according to the business’ website.
Belz called the lounge openings a “huge step” for the community and culture surrounding cannabis use moving them into the realm of hospitality.
He also acknowledged that the lounges provide a “safe and secure environment” for those to participate in the substance, whether that be experienced cannabis users or those that are newer to the community.
Dianna Houenou, chairwoman of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, called the approved endorsements a “major milestone” for the state’s cannabis industry.
“Whether individuals cannot consume cannabis inside their homes or simply wish to consume cannabis legally and responsibly, these areas provide a practical solution. We are proud to support this next phase of safe-use infrastructure in our state,” Houenou said in the press release.
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SunnyTien Dispensary and Lounge – Atlantic City
The cannabis consumption lounge at SunnyTien in Atlantic City is one of the first four to open in the state.
Address: 3004 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401.
Business hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
High Rollers Dispensary at Claridge – Atlantic City
Address: 120 South Indiana Ave., Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401.
Business hours:
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Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
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Sunday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
GynSyng Cannabis Lounge – Merchantville
Address: 14 South Centre St., Merchantville, New Jersey 08109.
Business hours (though lounge hours may vary):
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Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about education and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: NJ approves first cannabis consumption lounges, three in South Jersey
