Xena Opened First Cannabis Lounge in Jersey City

The new facility in McGinley Square marks the first space for cannabis consumption in Hudson County.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A modern lounge interior with an industrial ventilation duct mounted against an exposed brick wall, lit by warm, soft ambient light. — Xena has opened the first cannabis consumption lounge in Jersey City, located in McGinley Square, marking a milestone for Hudson County businesses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Xena has officially opened its cannabis consumption lounge in Jersey City, marking the first venue of its kind in Hudson County. The lounge operates alongside the business's existing retail store, which first opened to the public in April 2025.

Why it matters

The opening provides a dedicated community space for cannabis consumption that adheres to local regulations after years of administrative review. The project seeks to normalize social use through a controlled environment with specific operational protocols.

The business underwent a 4-year application process to secure necessary municipal and state approvals. The facility uses a table reservation policy to manage occupancy for an expected 300 guests at peak operational times.

The players

Xena

Formerly known as Medusa, this business operates a retail dispensary and the first licensed cannabis consumption lounge in Hudson County.

Jersey City Cannabis Control Board

This municipal body is responsible for regulating the local cannabis industry and granted the initial approval for the lounge project in 2022.

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission

The state agency tasked with overseeing the legal cannabis market, which provided final state-level approval for the lounge in June 2026.

Saint Peter's University

A private Jesuit university in Jersey City that previously initiated legal action against the cannabis business during its development phase.

The details

The lounge features an industrial-grade HVAC system designed specifically to manage smoke and air quality within the McGinley Square site. The business previously operated under the name Medusa and faced a legal challenge from Saint Peter's University during its development.

The Jersey City Cannabis Control Board approved the lounge in July 2022.
The owner received a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in October 2023.
The retail store opened in April 2025.
The City Council approved the lounge in May 2026.
The consumption lounge officially opened on October 2, 2026.

Market Landscape

The Xena lounge follows the regulatory standards and municipal approval patterns set by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission licensing requirements. This development signals a shift in Hudson County as local businesses begin to integrate social consumption spaces into existing retail models.

Customers can now visit the McGinley Square location for on-site cannabis consumption, though table reservations are required to manage overcrowding. Patrons should prepare for a regulated environment that includes advanced air filtration and structured service hours.

The takeaway

The successful launch of the Xena lounge indicates that businesses can navigate the multi-year regulatory landscape to establish niche hospitality venues. Residents interested in visiting should prioritize booking reservations in advance to ensure entry during peak hours.