facility design

Modern New Jersey cannabis lounge interior design
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, New Jersey, Recreational

Open a Cannabis Consumption Lounge in New Jersey: Getting Started Guide

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New Jersey’s adult-use law allows “cannabis consumption areas,” but only as an endorsement to existing licenses. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) decided not to create a new license class; instead, licensed Class 5 retailers (or permitted medical dispensaries) can apply for a Consumption Area Endorsement to their facility. This means only approved dispensaries (currently still coming online in NJ) can add a 21+ onsite use room. Applications for consumption area endorsements opened in January 2025.

Modern New Mexico cannabis lounge interior design with compliant layout
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, New Mexico, Recreational

Open a Cannabis Lounge in New Mexico: Licensing & Compliance Guide

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New Mexico’s Cannabis Regulation Act (2021) explicitly authorizes On-Site Consumption Area licenses (often called “consumption lounge” permits) under the NM Cannabis Control Division (CCD). The CCD issues two types of permits: Type I (non-smoking, edibles/vapor) and Type II (smoking allowed). A consumption area license lets a venue legally serve non-infused snacks/beverages and allow consumption of cannabis products by patrons age 21+. These can be standalone lounges or add-ons to other licensees (e.g. a dispensary or restaurant that obtains a consumption license).

Modern interior of a licensed New York cannabis lounge
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, New York, Recreational, United States

New York Cannabis Lounge License: Guide to Compliance and Success

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New York State law provides for adult-use on-site consumption licenses under the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). As of 2025, New York is still in the early stages of issuing these licenses; only a handful of trial licenses have been granted. The Cannabis Law caps investment (no person can hold more than 3 consumption licenses) and prohibits vertical integration: lounge licensees cannot also hold dispensary, cultivation, or processor licenses. This was done to ensure lounges operate solely as consumption venues, not as sales outlets. Learn how to navigate the rules to successfully apply for your lounge license.

Modern interior design of a Nevada cannabis lounge with stylish seating and ventilation features
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Recreational

Nevada Cannabis Lounge License Guide: What You Need to Know

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Nevada has enthusiastically embraced consumption lounges. In 2021, Governor Sisolak signed AB 341 authorizing the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) to license cannabis consumption lounges. After extensive stakeholder work, the CCB approved final regulations in late 2023. Lounges are split into two types: Retail Lounges (operated by licensed dispensaries or microbusinesses) and Independent Lounges (standalone sites).

Interior of a modern Michigan cannabis lounge with seating and ventilation systems
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Laws and Regulations, Recreational, United States

Michigan Consumption Lounge Licenses: What You Need to Know

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Michigan law explicitly recognizes and licenses cannabis “Designated Consumption Establishments.” These are commercial venues where adults 21+ can legally consume cannabis products on-site. The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) issues Consumption Lounge Licenses to qualified entities. Pursuant to state rules (MRTMA and R 420.21(3)), any person or business that allows on-site cannabis use in exchange for a fee or membership must hold this license.

Interior of a modern Maryland cannabis lounge designed for safe on-site cannabis use.
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Laws and Regulations, Recreational, United States

Maryland Cannabis Lounge Laws: What’s Coming and How to Prepare

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Maryland’s adult-use cannabis law (July 2023) authorizes on-site consumption lounges, but the regulations are still developing. The 2023 Cannabis Reform Act created “On-Site Consumption Lounge” licenses, akin to food-service venues, where cannabis can be consumed on premises. However, the Legislature has directed the Cannabis Administration (MCA) to delay issuing these licenses until local zoning is ready and the new rules are promulgated.

Interior of a modern Colorado cannabis lounge with on-site consumption area
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Colorado, Laws and Regulations, Recreational

Colorado Cannabis Lounge License: A Guide to Compliance and Success

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Colorado law permits licensed on-site cannabis consumption spaces (often called “marijuana hospitality establishments”) with both state and local approval. The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) of the Colorado Department of Revenue issues two lounge-style licenses: a Marijuana Hospitality Business License (for consumption only) and a Retail Marijuana Hospitality and Sales Business License (for consumption and on-site sales).

Interior of a modern California cannabis lounge with stylish seating and ambient lighting
California, Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Laws and Regulations, Medical Cannabis, Recreational

California Cannabis Lounge License Guide: What Every Operator Needs to Know

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Establishing a California cannabis lounge requires navigating a complex web of local and state rules. As an experienced California cannabis consultant, I’ll walk you through every step – from local permits to state licensing – needed to open and operate a safe-consumption lounge. California’s laws have recently changed: new legislation allows licensed dispensaries and microbusinesses to create “Amsterdam-style” consumption spaces.

Architectural blueprints on a table with drafting tools used in cannabis lounge design planning.
Cannabis Business Plans and Strategies, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Laws and Regulations

Cannabis Lounge Design & Build-Out Guide: Blueprint for Success

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Creating a standout cannabis consumption lounge requires more than style—it demands airtight compliance, optimized workflows, and an ambiance that elevates the guest experience. In this guide, we share essential design and build-out considerations, from space planning and ventilation to ADA accessibility and fire-code compliance. Leverage our Cannabis Consultants in keeping vendors, contractors, and regulators aligned so your lounge opens on time and within budget.

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