Why Atlantic City Is New Jersey’s Cannabis Town

While New Jersey’s recreational market was initially planned to take effect on February 22nd, the state is now extending that deadline due to unforeseen circumstances. But, when all is said and done, we should expect to see one city come out on top as the number one cannabis-friendly destination in the United States. 

John Fanberg, an attorney with the firm Brach Eichler in Essex County, specializes in cannabis law and explained how Atlantic City could be a big player in the country’s recreational industry. At the New Jersey Conference on Tourism, Fanberg said Atlantic City could have the chops to become a cannabis destination for tourists along with the existing entertainment, eats, and other accommodations. 

Other significant names like Kash McKinley, aide to Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., also had some eager words about the possible cannabis tourism hub in Atlantic City. “Big is not even the word to describe it,” he told The Press of Atlantic City. He hopes the city will give consumers access to quality cannabis and hopefully edibles when the state government decides to approve that law.

This would not only bring in extensive tax dollars to New Jersey, but it would create a whole new batch of jobs along with immense cannabis-friendly tourist attractions. That said, Mckinley only hopes to attract in-person business, as you currently can’t purchase cannabis online in New Jersey. Not being able to buy weed online would assist cannabis and surrounding local businesses with in-person attention.

Although everything seems promising, City Council President George Tibbitt isn’t as eager as hoped. “This is not what I want Atlantic City to be known for,” he said in a media release on Friday, reports The Press of Atlantic City. He added that others aren’t on board with the rebranding idea, but he will leave it up to City Council members to decide if they want dispensaries and where they would be placed.

A little skepticism never hurt anyone, and plans for Atlantic City to become a cannabis-friendly hub in the US are well underway thanks to the Mayor’s immense support. Now, Fanberg hopes Atlantic City will compare to cannabis-friendly destinations like Amsterdam and Aspen, Colorado. 

Fanberg also predicts that New Jersey should legalize cannabis edibles sometime soon, which would allow businesses in the city to infuse dishes or treats with marijuana to offer the complete experience to tourists and locals.