3 Tidbits About NJ Cannabis Consumption Lounges

Live the high life at a snazzy new joint! Cannabis consumption lounges are the chatter of the Garden State right now, and you don’t want to miss out on the experience.

If you’re eager to open one of these consumption lounges yourself, pause for a second because there’s a few details you should know first.

Here are 3 tidbits about opening a cannabis consumption lounge.

1) No “Stand Alones” Allowed

Under New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (known as CREAMMA), only licensed cannabis retailers and medical dispensaries can open a cannabis consumption area (or CCA). “Stand alone” CCAs are not permitted.

However, those who do launch these hot spots are given an exclusive opportunity to offer a trendy, exciting social space to consume marijuana on the same premises as a retail location! Remember, a state and local government endorsement is needed, so be sure to file the correct paperwork to operate legally. Under the Act, the CCA endorsement is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

2) No Food or Drink Permitted

If you were thinking of providing a cool glass of liquid courage with your patron’s mary jane, think again. In a CCA, customers are not allowed to purchase beer, wine, or spirits, as the retail establishment is barred from selling alcohol. It also restricts the selling of food, tobacco, or nicotine products, as well as the consumption of these items on the premises.

Also, as a side-note, your on-duty employees are prohibited to consume any medical or retail cannabis within the CCA.

3) Marijuana Products Can Be Taken Home

When closing time approaches and your customers haven’t finished their stash, do not worry! Patrons can leave your lounge with the product properly secured, meaning the product is packaged and labeled according to legal requirements. However, it is important to note that when a patron leaves, the establishment must destroy any remaining unconsumed retail cannabis, concentrate, products, or medical marijuana not taken by the patron.

Get the Word Out About Your Cannabis Lounge

What’s harder than launching a new business? Promoting it. Herban Creative has experience spreading the word about budding cannabis businesses and can help patrons find your products in person and online. Contact us today to get started.