Last verified: March 2026
America's Playground Adds a New Game
Atlantic City has always been about entertainment, and cannabis has become the newest attraction. In a development that would have seemed unthinkable a decade ago, AC now has more licensed dispensaries than casinos. The city that built its reputation on gambling has fully embraced legal cannabis, with dispensaries lining the Boardwalk, tucked into resort corridors, and scattered throughout the city's commercial areas.
What makes Atlantic City especially notable is its concentration of consumption lounges. Two of the first four consumption lounges approved in New Jersey on July 15, 2025 are located in Atlantic City, making it the only place in the state where visitors have multiple legal on-site consumption options.
Notable Atlantic City Dispensaries
High Rollers (Claridge Hotel / Boardwalk)
High Rollers has perhaps the most iconic location of any dispensary in New Jersey. Situated in the historic Claridge Hotel building right on the Boardwalk, it combines the glamour of Atlantic City's golden era with the modern cannabis experience. The dispensary is a destination in its own right, drawing visitors who want to browse cannabis products with ocean views nearby. High Rollers is also one of the four locations approved for a consumption lounge in July 2025, meaning customers will be able to purchase and consume on-site.
SunnyTien
SunnyTien is the other Atlantic City location that received consumption lounge approval in the state's first round on July 15, 2025. Together with High Rollers, SunnyTien gives AC two legal consumption venues — more than any other city in New Jersey. This makes Atlantic City the state's de facto cannabis tourism capital for visitors who want the full experience of purchasing and consuming in a licensed, supervised environment.
Design 710
Design 710 has built a reputation for quality products and knowledgeable staff. The dispensary caters to both the tourist crowd and local residents, offering a broad product selection that ranges from budget-friendly options to premium flower and concentrates. Design 710 is a solid all-around choice for visitors who want a reliable dispensary experience.
MPX NJ
MPX NJ is part of a multi-state brand with a strong presence in the New Jersey market. MPX is known for its concentrates and extracts, making it a go-to for experienced consumers who prefer vape cartridges, live resin, and other concentrated products. The Atlantic City location serves both recreational customers and medical patients.
The Botanist
The Botanist, operated by Acreage Holdings, brings a clean, modern retail experience to Atlantic City. The Botanist locations across New Jersey are known for their organized store layouts, clear product labeling, and helpful staff. The AC location serves the steady flow of casino visitors and shore tourists.
Atlantic City is the only city in New Jersey with two approved consumption lounges: High Rollers and SunnyTien. Session fees run approximately $5 per 30 minutes. No alcohol, tobacco, or food is served on-site. See our full consumption lounge guide.
Getting to Atlantic City
| Route | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City Expressway (from Philadelphia) | ~60 minutes | Tolls ~$3–$5. Most direct route from Philly. |
| Garden State Parkway (from North Jersey / NYC) | ~2–2.5 hours | Tolls vary. Can be heavy traffic in summer. |
| NJ Transit Atlantic City Line (from Philadelphia) | ~90 minutes | Trains from 30th Street Station in Philly to AC Rail Terminal. |
| NJ Transit bus from NYC (Port Authority) | ~2.5–3 hours | Multiple daily departures. Drops off at AC Bus Terminal. |
| Jitney bus (within Atlantic City) | 5–15 minutes | $2.75. Runs 24 hours along Pacific Ave. |
Cannabis and Casinos: The Rules
While Atlantic City has embraced cannabis retail, there are important boundaries to understand:
- No cannabis in casinos. Casino gaming floors, hotel rooms, restaurants, and common areas within casino-hotel properties are off-limits for cannabis consumption. Casino operators prohibit it under their house rules, and New Jersey law backs them up.
- No public consumption. The Boardwalk, beaches, streets, sidewalks, and parks are all public places where cannabis consumption is prohibited.
- Use consumption lounges. With two approved lounges, Atlantic City is the best place in New Jersey for tourists to legally consume on-site. High Rollers and SunnyTien provide a legal, supervised alternative to sneaking a hit in a casino parking garage.
- Delivery to lodging. Some dispensaries deliver, but confirm with your hotel or rental property that they allow cannabis delivery and use before ordering.
Atlantic City's famous Boardwalk and beaches are public property where cannabis consumption is prohibited. The smell travels, security is present, and fines apply. Use a consumption lounge or private property instead.
Know Before You Visit AC
- ID required: 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID (any state or country)
- Purchase limits: 1 ounce flower per transaction (full limits)
- Payment: Cash preferred. Some dispensaries accept debit. Casino ATMs charge high fees — hit an ATM before arriving on the island.
- Tax: ~9% total. Significantly less than New York's ~22%.
- Parking: Casino garages offer free or validated parking. Street parking is available but limited, especially in summer.
Delivery in Atlantic City
Delivery services cover all of Atlantic City and the surrounding shore communities. TerpTaxi, Weedies, and multiple dispensary-run delivery fleets operate in the area. This is particularly useful for visitors staying in shore rentals in neighboring towns that may have opted out of retail sales.
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org