Trenton, NJ: State regulators have advanced rules regulating the establishment of cannabis consumption venues.
The decision to permit social use areas will be at the discretion of municipalities, which already decide whether or not to allow adult-use retail facilities.
Proposed regulations governing the sites prohibit patrons from either purchasing food or consuming alcohol on site. Licensed cannabis retailers are not permitted to operate more than one consumption lounge. Lounges can be either indoor or outdoor.
The proposed rules are now subject to a public comment period, which runs until March 18, 2023.
In a statement issued by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the agency said that it “expects the new cannabis consumption area rules to have a beneficial social impact by advancing social equity, while allowing persons 21 years of age and older another venue to safely enjoy the personal use of cannabis.”
A minority of adult-use states, including Alaska, Colorado, and Nevada, currently regulate social use establishments.
New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Proposed Rules for Cannabis Consumption Areas includes a summary of the proposed rules for New Jersey consumption venues.
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