Camden County's First Cannabis-Smoking Lounge Prepares To Open

MERCHANTVILLE, NJ — For the first time since New Jersey legalized weed, a Camden County dispensary will have an approved space for on-site cannabis smoking.

Gynsyng, a dispensary in Merchantville, expects to open its cannabis-consumption lounge in the coming days. On Wednesday, state cannabis regulators approved consumption spaces at Gynsyng and three other dispensaries — New Jersey's first since legalizing recreational weed.

The space at Gynsyng is already set up. Once they pass a final site inspection, they'll open the doors to what they'll the Community Lounge.

But in this new chapter for New Jersey's cannabis industry, Gynsyng expects to make adjustments as they go along, says Tom Murzenski, vice present of operations.

"There's a saying that no plan survives the first punch in the face," said Murzenski, who is also Owner Jana Murzenski's husband. "So we're waiting for that first punch to land, and we'll adjust after that. But everything we need in the lounge is there. Everything is lined up and ready to go."

The Community Lounge will be in a room where Gynsyng has hosted Q&As and educational events. Gynsyng wants to make it a "comfortable, homey space," said General Manager Samantha Quinlan.

The room contains various seating areas — some with tables and chairs and others with armchairs, sofas and various living room furniture. It also has a foosball table, video games and board games.

"We definitely wanted to go for the vibe of 'come as you are,'" Quinlan told Patch. "We don't want you to feel like you have to dress up or look or present a certain way. If you're coming in after work, great. If it's your day off and you're in pajamas, better."

Customers 21 and older can utilize the room. It's free to enter, but patrons can only consume weed they bought at the store — unless they're a medical-cannabis patient.

Higher-end bongs and vapes will be available to rent out.

The lounge will be available during the dispensary's operating hours, which are listed as:

• Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 12-6 p.m.

Gynsyng is only a recreational dispensary, but they offer discounts to card-carrying medical patients to void the extra cost of sales tax.

There are currently about a dozen states allowing cannabis-consumption areas — sometimes called cannabis cafés — in some form, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

Along with Gynsyng, two dispensaries in Atlantic City and one in Newark were also approved for consumption areas.

"This is a major milestone in New Jersey’s cannabis industry," said Dianna Houenou, chair of the state's Cannabis Regulatory Commission. "These designated spaces provide consumers with safe and legal options for cannabis consumption. Whether individuals cannot consume cannabis inside their homes or simply wish to consume cannabis legally and responsibly, these areas provide a practical solution."

Gynsyng is located at 14 S Center St, Merchantville.