New Jersey’s Cannabis Lounges Are Finally Open: What Launched, When It Started, and Where Things Stand Today

After years of anticipation, New Jersey’s first state-approved cannabis consumption lounges opened in mid-summer 2025—marking a milestone for a market where legal sales began in 2022 but on-site use lagged behind. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) formally endorsed the first four lounges on July 15, 2025, clearing the way for dispensaries to finish inspections and begin hosting adults 21+ for legal, on-site consumption.

When did the first lounges open?

Launches followed quickly after approval. The strongest, operator-verified timestamp comes from Gynsyng in Merchantville, which states its consumption lounge was “fully licensed and open for business” as of July 23, 2025. Local press coverage the next day celebrated the opening as Camden County’s first on-site lounge. READ MORE: Gynsyng

By late July, TV and regional outlets reported that the first four consumption lounges were open for business, including two in Atlantic City. Fox29’s July 30 segment framed them as officially open, following the CRC’s July 15 vote. Trade and industry publications then echoed the “open” status in early August. WEBSITE: FOX 29 Philadelphia

How many are open to date?

Four lounges are open statewide—the same four the CRC endorsed in July 2025:

  • High Rollers Dispensary & Lounge (Atlantic City)
  • SunnyTien Dispensary & Lounge (Atlantic City)
  • Gynsyng (Merchantville, Camden County)
  • URB’N Dispensary (Newark)

This line-up appears consistently across the CRC’s endorsement list and multiple independent roundups published after openings began. READ MORE ABOUT: NJ.gov

While early coverage noted staggered inspections, subsequent reports describe all four as launched and operating. Operator pages for Gynsyng (with posted lounge hours) and SunnyTien (with a lounge FAQ and daily hours) further reinforce current, active operations, and High Rollers promotes its “now open” lounge on its site.

Bottom line (as of November 11, 2025): New Jersey has four state-endorsed cannabis consumption lounges open to the public.

Where are they, and what’s the experience?

Atlantic City emerged as the early epicenter, with High Rollers and SunnyTien drawing visitors steps from the Boardwalk. Coverage emphasized the social vibe—TVs, comfortable seating, and scheduled activities—while also noting that public smoking on the Boardwalk remains prohibited, making lounges an attractive, compliant alternative for tourists and locals.

Merchantville (Camden County) landed a first-to-open distinction with Gynsyng’s Community Lounge on July 23, 2025. Hours are posted and regularly maintained, underscoring day-to-day operations.

Newark rounds out the initial wave with URB’N Dispensary. The CRC named URB’N among the inaugural four; subsequent coverage keeps it on the “open” roster. (URB’N’s site focuses on retail and delivery, but CRC listings and multiple news recaps identify it as one of the original lounge locations.) WEBSITE: 94.5 PST

What are the rules?

The CRC’s framework sets the tone for a “bar-like” social space without alcohol. Key statewide requirements and norms include:

  • No alcohol, nicotine, or tobacco use inside lounges.
  • Ventilation and odor control standards.
  • 21+ with ID; municipalities must approve locations.
  • Only licensed dispensaries (Class 5 retailers) may hold a lounge endorsement.

Local FAQs and explainer pieces add practical details visitors will notice:

  • Lounges often charge modest entry or membership fees and may set time limits for sessions.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages are typically allowed; food policies vary by venue and local rules.
  • If you don’t finish your purchase, unconsumed product must be sealed in a compliant exit bag before leaving. READ MORE: Dabbin Dad

Why it matters for New Jersey

For renters, tourists, and anyone living in smoke-free buildings, lounges provide legal, regulated spaces to consume. Regulators have framed the move as a public-health and compliance upgrade, shifting consumption out of streets and hotel rooms into controlled environments with clear age checks and ventilation. The CRC labeled the endorsements a “major milestone” for safe-use infrastructure.

Economically, lounges add a new hospitality layer to dispensary operations—events, education nights, and social programming—while giving destination markets like Atlantic City another draw. Media coverage in late July and early August highlighted the tourism angle: visitors now have a place to consume legally rather than risk citations for public smoking. READ MORE: FOX 29 Philadelphia

What to watch next

  • Municipal adoption: New lounges will still depend on local approval and zoning, so growth may be uneven by town. READ MORE: NJBIZ
  • Programming and memberships: Expect continued experimentation with time-based passes, event calendars, and equipment rentals (e.g., tabletop vaporizers).
  • Compliance tweaks: As operators gain experience, the CRC could refine rules on ventilation, bagging, and permitted amenities to balance comfort with public-health goals.