Let’s go to the weed bar

The global cannabis industry is maturing, requirements are increasing, and better reforms are being made to help the industry reach a mature market. The not-so-new innovation that is now gaining ground is the “cannabis consumption lounge”.

What is a cannabis consumption lounge?

The best way to explain this is to compare it to a bar.

In simple terms, a bar is an alcohol consumption lounge, i.e. a public space in which alcoholic beverages are consumed. Hence, a cannabis use lounge is a licensed and safe place for a group of people to consume cannabis.

Cannabis lounges are perhaps the best element in making cannabis socially acceptable to all ages in the country. It will do a lot to ensure a just industry that does everyone justice.

There has been a lot of excitement in some states over the proposals for new cannabis lounges. These lounges will allow people from all walks of life to gather in one place to talk and consume cannabis products – just like restaurants and bars.

Compared to cannabis pharmacies, these consumption lounges are far in between; no thanks to the legal and restrictive regulations in the state – especially at the federal level.

The pandemic has also slowed the process of setting up these lounges over the past year as gatherings have been restricted. Legislative measures also had to be stopped at some point.

What started this trend?

This increase can be attributed to the booming demand for cannabis in the United States. Cannabis entrepreneurs see this increased demand as an opportunity to add value to the cannabis industry.

One such entrepreneur, Tim Wright (of Shasta Management), said in an interview that the brand plans to build the largest cannabis consumption lounge in the US soon. They plan to open this lounge in Imperial County, California.

Mr Wright attributed his brand’s plans to the public because without their unwavering support for cannabis reforms, the industry might have stagnated.

The opening of cannabis lounges would allow U.S. citizens to socialize and have fun with friends and family while using cannabis. It will be like a restaurant gathering, only these lounges serve customers over the age of 21.

State acceptance

Most of the cannabis legalized cities in the United States are now planning to introduce these lounges in strategic locations.

For a state to adopt this trend, lawmakers must first approve recreational cannabis use in that state.

Currently, only 17 states have legalized recreational cannabis use, and only 7 of those states permit cannabis use in public places.

States are beginning to recognize the need for consumption lounges as the momentum in the cannabis industry increases.

You start to see several advantages of these spaces; It will be a way for the government to review the indiscriminate use of cannabis in open places, as well as the smells associated with its use.

As expected, the lounges that were closed due to COVID-19 have opened. Lounge owners are hoping to open up more in the States as the practice gradually normalizes.

Some of the states that have opened or are about to open lounges for cannabis use include New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Illinois.

In New Jersey Only licensed cannabis dealers and medical pharmacy owners can legally set up a cannabis consumption area.

News12, New Jersey, reported that state and local governments are only advocating these business owners to operate designated spaces for cannabis use. Current New Jersey regulations leave no room for standalone CCAs in the state.

Contrary to the NJ regulations, new York enables the establishment of independent cannabis consumption lounges.

The state has an agreement with canna preneurs that would accept club-like areas where only cannabis is allowed to be sold. This means that a potential investor does not have to deal with growing or packaging marijuana plants as well.

The state will generate at least $ 6 billion in revenue by 2027 if these regulations are followed.

Pennsylvania only has one cannabis lounge in Abington, PA. Space is known as “The After Dispensary”. However, it is only open to PA residents who have valid MMJ cards and must bring their cannabis.

Nevada has the most promising prospects for cannabis lounges.

Seeing the state is known for the scandalous and fun activities that take place in its most popular city, Las Vegas. The city has several selling points to encourage the opening of several cannabis lounges.

Currently, only one lounge has opened in Nevada; the NuWu Cannabis Tasting Room, launched in late 2019. But it is not enough to care for the Nevada population and their steady stream of tourists eager to consume the cannabis products purchased in the state.

There are currently proposed licenses for retail cannabis use lounges and standalone cannabis use lounges.

In the next month…

Some states would accept better proposals to legalize marijuana. This could be enough to cause development in the US cannabis market.

Legislative acceptance of the proposed cannabis lounges may increase and encourage more cannabis investors to settle in the country.

The economy of these areas and the surrounding communities is stimulated.

David Farris, Plant 13 VP of Sales and Marketing, said the consumption lounges will be beneficial to both the public and the treasury at all levels. It would create jobs and increase the state’s tax revenue.

He also praised Las Vegas for its plans to open much-needed cannabis consumption locations to tourists.

last words

The cannabis reforms are incredible feats and the existing pharmacies are also remarkable initiatives, but regardless, cannabis use lounges are welcome improvements to the existing status quo.

Residents will have customer-centric places to consume their weed. In no time, these cannaprenuers will be settling somewhere near you.

Hopefully there will be fewer regulatory hurdles and these lounges can thrive and make amazing profits.

For those wondering about cannabis and alcohol being sold together, it is unclear whether lawmakers in these states will ultimately allow cannabis and alcohol to be sold in the same room.

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