Atlantic City Ignites New Era with Opening of State’s First Cannabis Lounges

Atlantic City, NJ — Atlantic City has added a new player to its legendary entertainment scene: legal cannabis consumption lounges.

In a milestone moment for New Jersey’s cannabis industry, the seaside resort town is now home to some of the state’s first licensed cannabis lounges—designated spaces where adults 21 and older can legally consume cannabis products on site. The move marks a significant shift in how recreational marijuana is experienced in New Jersey and ushers in new opportunities for social engagement, tourism, and regulated cannabis use.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) approved four cannabis consumption area endorsements in July 2025, allowing licensed dispensaries to operate on-site consumption lounges. Two of these are located in Atlantic City—at High Rollers Dispensary and SunnyTien Dispensary & Lounge—alongside others in Newark and Merchantville.

At High Rollers, situated near the iconic Claridge Hotel on South Indiana Avenue, visitors are greeted by a relaxed, comfortable environment designed for adult cannabis use. The lounge—outfitted with plush seating and an array of consumption accessories—allows patrons to enjoy pre-rolled joints, concentrates, and vaporizers after purchasing products at the adjacent dispensary.

Nearby on Atlantic Avenue, SunnyTien’s lounge blends sophistication with social entertainment. With an emphasis on curated experiences, the lounge offers comfortable seating, music, televisions, and a calendar of events, from trivia nights to brand activations. Membership options even provide priority seating and access to special events.

Both lounges reflect a broader goal shared by regulators and business owners: to provide safe, legal alternatives to public cannabis consumption. Under New Jersey law, recreational cannabis use in public spaces remains prohibited, and enforcement on Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk has increased as a result. The lounges aim to channel consumption into controlled environments, reducing public violations while offering locals and visitors a new form of regulated recreation.

“This is a major milestone,” said Dianna Houenou, chair of the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission, at the time of approval. “These designated spaces provide consumers with safe and legal options for cannabis consumption.”

To enter the lounges, patrons must be at least 21 years old and present valid identification. Recreational users are required to purchase their cannabis products from the hosting dispensary, while registered medical cannabis patients may bring properly labeled medical products. Alcohol and tobacco sales are prohibited inside the consumption areas, in line with state regulations aimed at curbing mixed substance use and maintaining public health standards.

Local business owners say the new lounges are poised to reshape Atlantic City’s entertainment landscape. Spencer Belz, chief operating officer of SunnyTien, described his lounge as a place where cannabis users can gather much like patrons at a bar, but without alcohol—positioning the city as a potential East Coast hub for cannabis socialization.

Beyond socializing, the lounges are expected to draw tourists seeking novel experiences in a destination already known for its casinos, beaches, and nightlife. Operators plan to host themed events, watch parties, and community gatherings, integrating cannabis culture into Atlantic City’s broader entertainment ecosystem.

While still in the early stages, Atlantic City’s cannabis lounges represent a test case for similar developments statewide. Advocates hope the successful integration of these spaces could encourage more municipalities to embrace legal cannabis consumption facilities, expanding access and normalizing regulated use.

For now, Atlantic City stands at the forefront of this emerging trend, offering residents and visitors alike a legal, social venue to enjoy cannabis responsibly—a historic shift with implications for New Jersey’s economy, tourism, and cannabis culture.