Official Site of The State of New Jersey

New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act makes it clear where you shouldn’t light up and risk being a nuisance or health hazard for others. No smoking in indoor public spaces like restaurants, bars, or offices. No smoking in public parks, or on beaches. With all the spaces where you cannot smoke, cannabis users now have legal spaces to smoke cannabis socially outside their homes—cannabis consumption areas. Imagine meeting friends for happy hour, but at a dispensary’s cannabis lounge instead of your local bar, and without alcohol.

On July 2025, the NJ-CRC approved the first four consumption area endorsement applications, and two have already opened.

What is a cannabis consumption area?

A cannabis consumption area is a designated space connected to a licensed retail dispensary where adults 21 and older can use cannabis products – including joints. These spaces can be either indoors or outdoors, but in either case, they must comply with strict safety and ventilation standards under both municipal and state laws.

Consumption areas will likely not all look the same. Some may take the form of sleek lounges with a curated vibe. Others might be simple and outdoorsy, evoking a backyard feel. Regardless of the decor or ambiance, each space must prioritize consumer safety, accessibility, and compliance with NJ-CRC rules.

Why are cannabis consumption areas important?

Not everyone can, or wants to, smoke or consume cannabis at home. Renters face restrictions, tourists lack access, and people living in multi-family units may be subject to building policies that ban smoking altogether.

Consumption areas also help remove some of the stigma and stereotyping associated with cannabis use. They provide spaces for adults to use cannabis communally, safely, and legally while providing opportunities for education. Consumers can ask questions and learn about safe use in real time.

Who can operate a cannabis consumption area?

Only licensed Class 5 cannabis retailers can apply for a consumption area endorsement - with municipal approval specific for the space. 

Find application fees and other application information for operators.

What’s allowed in a cannabis consumption area?

Good vibes, good ventilation, and very specific cannabis use. Know the laws and regulations and don't give budtenders and other staff a hard time when they enforce them. Here are a few rules (and some suggestions) for staying safe in cannabis consumption areas.

• No one under 21 is allowed.
• No alcohol or tobacco products are allowed.
• Cannabis dispensaries cannot sell food on-site. However, consumption areas can have menus for food delivery. Independent food trucks can sell food outside dispensaries if they follow all state and local laws.
• You may be refused service if you appear to be already impaired.
• Any product sold by the dispensary can be used in the consumption areas.
• Enrolled MCP patients have the right to bring their legally purchased and labeled medicinal cannabis into these areas. Dispensaries may restrict outside products for recreational users.
• Patrons will not be allowed to leave a consumption area with open packages of cannabis. If the packaging is not resealable, the consumption area must provide to-go containers that are able to be resealed in a child-resistant manner. If no container is provided, the cannabis must be discarded.
• Know your limits and avoid unpleasant experiences for yourself and others. Pace yourself, stick to what you’re comfortable with, and don’t feel pressured to consume more than you usually would. Also, never pressure someone else to do more or other than they're comfortable with.
• Stay hydrated and eat beforehand. A full stomach and adequate hydration can help prevent or alleviate unwanted effects.
• Say no to dose stacking. Cannabis, especially edibles, can take 45 minutes to 2 hours to fully kick in and may hit harder than expected. Wait to feel the full effects of what you’ve consumed before using more.
• If you're sharing, it's two puffs and pass to the left, but it's perfectly okay not to share, especially for your health or the health of others.
• Plan how you’ll get home safely. Never drive while high—use a rideshare or public transportation or designate a sober friend. Driving while impaired –no matter the impairing substance - is against the law.