Atlantic City is blazing a new trail in cannabis culture with the opening of two new cannabis lounges, creating legal and safe environments for adults to consume cannabis. The Sunny Tien Dispensary and High Rollers Dispensary both launched their cannabis lounges in recent weeks, making them among the first in New Jersey to do so.
“We waited almost 16 months to get this open,” said Spencer Belz of Sunny Tien Dispensary and Lounge. “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.”
The strict regulations have not deterred business. In fact, the response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Jon Cohn, who operates High Rollers Dispensary and Lounge, initially had doubts about how the absence of alcohol would affect customer interest. However, his concerns quickly faded.
“One of the things we were questioning was how people would receive the lack of alcohol,” Cohn explained. “And there were a few people who asked for it, but I’d say 75 to 80% were just as happy with mocktails.”
For patrons like Alyssa Gibson, cannabis lounges are not only acceptable—they're preferred. “I love it because it’s better than going to bars and drinking,” she said. “It’s a chill environment, and I don’t miss the alcohol at all.”
The opening of cannabis lounges also serves a public safety purpose. Law enforcement in Atlantic City has been cracking down on people smoking cannabis or cigarettes in public spaces like beaches and the boardwalk. The police department has already issued over 22 summonses this summer.
“Sometimes it's an educational conversation, advising the individual on the legality,” said Capt. Kevin Fair of the Atlantic City Police Department. “And sometimes a summons could be issued.”
By providing legal, designated spaces for use, cannabis lounges may help reduce these types of violations and improve public order.
Two other cannabis lounges have been approved in New Jersey—one already open in Merchantville and another in development in Newark—indicating a statewide trend toward embracing social consumption spaces.
“We want them to recognize that this space is here for them,” Belz added. “Yes, there may be a cover fee at the door, but it’s better than a $100 ticket from the Atlantic City Police Department.”
As New Jersey continues to evolve its cannabis policies, cannabis lounges are proving to be a welcomed and functional addition to the landscape.
