Recreational Weed Sales Begin Thursday In Mercer: Here's What To Know

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Thursday morning will mark the first time that a Mercer County dispensary will legally sell recreational cannabis since New Jersey began allowing adult marijuana use. State officials expect Zen Leaf and dispensaries entering the recreational market to become "extremely busy."

Whether you plan to buy recreational marijuana, are a patient, or are just curious about the future of the industry, here's what to know about recreational marijuana sales.

When will recreational sales begin?

Beginning Thursday dispensaries can sell recreational cannabis in New Jersey. The state Cannabis Regulatory Commission has only approved recreational sales at 13 locations — all pre-existing medical dispensaries.

Zen Leaf in Lawrence Township will begin adult-use sales at 9 a.m. Thursday, a company spokesperson said. The dispensary is open until 7 p.m.

Will it get busy?

With only 13 stores selling recreational cannabis 18 months after the majority of New Jerseyans voted to legalize adult-use, the state commission thinks so.

"We expect 13 locations for the entire state will make for extremely busy stores," said Jeff Brown, executive director of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

What does this mean for medical patients?

The state law requires medical dispensaries that expanded into the recreational market to prioritize their patients. The coming days will reveal how well the state and its approved businesses can put that into practice.

Many New Jersey patients who use medical cannabis have decried a chronic lack of supply and high prices for years. Read More: New Jersey Marijuana Patients Need Lower Prices, More Weed

But the state commission feels confident the 13 dispensaries selling recreational weed will successfully accommodate patients.

"The dispensaries have assured us that they are ready to meet the demand without disrupting patient access, and with minimal impact on the surrounding communities," Brown said, "but patience will be key to a good opening day."

Dispensaries are required to implement patient-access policies so registrants in New Jersey's Medicinal Cannabis Program don't have to wait in long lines or risk not getting their medicine. The state expects businesses to implement special lines or hours, online ordering, curbside pickup or home delivery to ensure patients get their medicine.

How much can customers get?

Recreational consumers can buy up to 1 ounce of dried flower; up to 5 grams of concentrates, resins or oils; or as many as 10 100 milligram packages of ingestible items in a single transaction.
Customers must be 21 to purchase recreational marijuana, driving while high is illegal and so is crossing state lines with weed.

Which dispensaries will sell recreational weed?

• Apothecarium, 1865 Springfield Ave., Maplewood
• Apothecarium, 55 South Main St., Phillipsburg
• Ascend Wellness, 174 Route 17 N, Rochelle Park
• RISE, 26-48 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield
• RISE, 196 3rd Ave. #3C, Paterson
• Zen Leaf, 117 Sprint St., Elizabeth
• Zen Leaf, 3256 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township
• The Botanist, 100 Century Dr., Egg Harbor Township
• The Botanist, 2090 N Blackhorse Pike, Williamstown
• The Cannabist/Columbia Care, 1692 Clements Bridge Rd., Deptford
• The Cannabist/Columbia Care, 1062 North Delsea Dr., Vineland
• Curaleaf, 640 Creek Rd., Bellmawr
• Curaleaf, 4237 Route 130 S, Edgewater Park

Will recreational dispensaries become more common?

Eventually, but not overnight. The state cannabis commission began taking applicants for retail outlets last month. It's unclear how long it may take for the commission to approve licenses or when they'll open. Typically, the process takes several months.

Some New Jersey towns, like South Brunswick, have opted out of marijuana sales. Princeton is still debating whether a marijuana dispensary is a good fit for the municipality, even though the Cannabis Task Force recommended three medical and adult-use retail dispensaries in town. But in towns that haven't taken such measures, you may slowly see weed businesses develop. Thursday will mark the beginning of New Jersey's legal, recreational market.

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