Two Cannabis Consumption Lounges Open in Atlantic City, New Jersey 

Two cannabis lounges are now open in Atlantic City, New Jersey, NBC Philadelphia reports. One is located at the Sunny Tien Dispensary, while the other is located at the High Rollers Dispensary. Regulators last month approved the first endorsements for on-site cannabis use at four dispensaries that are Diversely Owned Businesses – minority-owned, woman-owned, or disabled veteran-owned. 

Spencer Belz, of Sunny Tien Dispensary and Lounge, told NBC Philadelphia that the company waited almost 16 months to get the lounge open.   

“This is a very regulated space. There is no sale or consumption of alcohol, tobacco or nicotine. Consumers are only allowed to bring in cannabis products that are purchased here at the dispensary.” — Belz to NBC Philadelphia 

The lounge openings in Atlantic City come amid rising complaints of public cannabis use, the report says. Local police have issued at least 22 summonses so far this summer for public cannabis use, for which fines run $100. 

Social-use endorsements have been approved for Gynsyng dispensary located in Merchantville, and URB’N Dispensary located in Newark.    

Dianna Houenou, New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Chair, said that the lounges “provide consumers with safe and legal options for cannabis consumption.”   

“Whether individuals cannot consume cannabis inside their homes or simply wish to consume cannabis legally and responsibly,” she said in a statement at the time the endorsements were approved, “these areas provide a practical solution.”