New Jersey Opens Door To Cannabis Lounges, Setting Stage For Industry Expansion
New Jersey is taking a major step forward in its cannabis industry with the official launch of its consumption lounge licensing process. The state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) began accepting applications for on-site consumption areas on January 2, 2025, allowing businesses to create designated spaces where customers can legally use cannabis products.
This move comes as New Jersey’s legal cannabis market surpasses $1 billion in sales, according to the CRC’s latest market report. The timing of this regulatory shift aligns with the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight: New Jersey event on March 4, 2025, in Somerset. At this event, industry leaders, regulators, and investors will discuss the future of New Jersey’s cannabis economy, including the role of consumption lounges.
New Regulations and Application Timeline
According to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the licensing process for consumption lounges will roll out in three phases:
- January 2, 2025: Applications opened for social equity businesses, meaning those owned by individuals with past cannabis-related convictions or from economically disadvantaged communities.
- April 2, 2025: Microbusinesses and diversely-owned dispensaries, including those owned by minorities, women, and disabled veterans, will be able to apply.
- July 2, 2025: The process will open to all other …