A bill was passed in Nevada last year to permit the on-site consumption of cannabis products at dispensaries and standalone lounges. However, consumption lounges are not technically allowed in the state yet. Though the bill was originally supposed to take effect on October 1st of last year, it has taken longer than expected to draft regulations. Nevertheless, the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) is making progress, and consumption lounges are on the horizon for Nevada this year.
Thus, companies are already planning and working on consumption lounges, especially in Las Vegas. As the Entertainment Capital of the World, the consumption lounge market will certainly be extravagant but also highly competitive. Therefore, many companies are thinking big; and some are thinking HUGE.
Las Vegas Weed-Friendly Hotel
One company that is busting into the consumption lounge market early and strong is the operator of a Phoenix-based cannabis-friendly hotel, The Clarendon. Pro Hospitality Group owner Alex Rizk purchased the 64-room Artisan hotel with plans to turn it into a weed-friendly hotel.
Image via The Artisan Boutique Hotel
The Artisan hotel is located on the Vegas Strip at Sahara Avenue and Interstate 15. The property sold for $11.9 million, closing this month. Rizk plans to put nearly $3 million into renovating the hotel and is set to begin within the next couple of months. The renovation is expected to finish by September. Hopefully, this will be just in time for the full legalization of consumption lounges in the state.
Las Vegas Weed Consumption Lounges
Alongside the Vegas Strip weed-friendly hotel are other companies racing to make their mark on on-site consumption early. This includes the cannabis megastore Planet 13, who has plans for a 20,000 square foot lounge with an indoor splash pool and 5,000 square foot outdoor balcony.
Currently, NuWu Cannabis Marketplace, located on Las Vegas Paiute Tribe land north of downtown Las Vegas, is the only place in Nevada with a legal consumption lounge. Their lounge, The Vegas Tasting Room, offers 90-minute smoke sessions through various consumption methods.