First recreational marijuana dispensary in Atlantic City opens

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Recreational marijuana sales started in Atlantic City for the first time Thursday.

Beginning at 11 a.m., MPX NJ, on South New York Avenue in Atlantic City, transitioned from being solely a medical marijuana dispensary to being open for adult-use cannabis.

"Our goal and our commitment to Atlantic City has always been becoming the East Coast hub for cannabis. And this is just another step in the right direction," said Kashawn McKinley, director of special services for Atlantic City.

Folks lined up, ready to celebrate a legal and regulated purchase on April 20th - or 4/20 - a holiday celebrating marijuana use.

"I feel like we're divided as a people and I feel like this can bring us closer together," said Dominique Nelson of Atlantic City.

"I have two knee replacements and a bad back, and I love to smoke," said Joe Joe Brooks of Atlantic City.

Recreational marijuana sales became legal one year ago in New Jersey, and for some buyers, the regulation comes with some peace of mind.

"I know it ain't messed with. I know exactly how much THC is in it," said Samyra Thomas of Wilmington, Delaware.

Some visitors to Atlantic City's boardwalk have concerns about legal weed.

"I think of marijuana like any other drug. You start taking something, you start taking more of something," said Francis Schwartz, visiting from Katy, TX.

Harriet Weiner of Sunrise, Florida says she doesn't mind people using in private.

"I don't want to see somebody smoking on the street," she said.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. says the city is expected to receive more than $1 million over the next 10 years from this company.

He also hopes to see cannabis lounges in the near future where people can smoke together.

"Smoke responsibly. Our police department will enforce it. This does not give everyone a green light to just smoke anywhere you want," said Small.

Marijuana use is allowed in private spaces.

Mayor Small says he anticipates more dispensaries opening up in the near future, and those businesses will be confined to a designated "green zone" of Atlantic City spanning 24 blocks.