New Jersey regulators are now accepting applications to operate cannabis consumption lounges from all licensed marijuana dispensaries.<\/p>\n
As of Wednesday, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) has opened its portal for prospective licensees to receive \u201cconsumption area application endorsements,\u201d from \u201call Class 5 retail operators.\u201d<\/p>\n
In January, officials first started accepting applications from social equity marijuana licensees<\/a> before opening it up to diversely owned businesses and microbusinesses in April.<\/p>\n Now, more than a year after NJ-CRC finalized rules for consumption lounges<\/a>, any cannabis dispensary can apply.<\/p>\n \u201cCannabis consumption areas are attached to licensed dispensaries, must have municipal approval and comply with strict regulations to ensure public safety,\u201d NJ-CRC said in a notice last week.<\/p>\n The endorsement application fee is $1,000, consisting of $200 for the initial submission and another $800 that would be paid upon approval. There are also annual licensing fees in the amount of\u00a0$1,000 for microbusinesses and $5,000 for standard businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cLicense applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until indicated otherwise,\u201d the commission said<\/a>.<\/p>\n The commission also provided a step-by-step informational video about how to submit the applications.<\/p>\n Under the rules, consumption lounges cannot sell food or alcohol, but adults 21 and older can bring food or have it delivered if the local government allows it. Medical cannabis patients would be able to bring their own marijuana products.<\/p>\n NJ-CRC members have said they expect the addition of cannabis consumption areas will have a positive economic benefit for the state by generating more tax revenue from marijuana sales and annual fees.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, New Jersey officials recently completed the curriculum of a no-cost marijuana training academy that\u2019s meant to support entrepreneurs interested in entering the cannabis industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n