Cannabis legalization has stormed the U.S., with 24 states, three territories, and Washington D.C. making the weed list. Even with this extensive amount of access, smoking in public is still highly illegal in most states. There are some places where weed consumption is allowed outdoors, and others have legalized cannabis lounges. These often highly-regulated smoking rooms are often highly regulated, like opaque windows and air filtration standards.
The concept of lounges is attractive, with imaginations running to swanky couches and leather-bound books. In reality, the spaces are a bit different, but many are magical in their own ways.
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What are cannabis lounges?
Cannabis lounges are privately owned safe spaces where consumers can legally light up, providing an alternative to consuming in public. Many of these social consumption spaces are attached to licensed weed dispensaries. Guests can purchase a product and enjoy it right there.
Lounges may require an on-site purchase to use them or charge a fee based on how long people plan to stay. Selling food or drink is sometimes prohibited, but that is dependent on individual state regulations. Always check on the rules before bringing outside products into a cannabis lounge.
At times, these spaces serve as community hubs or fitness centers. Weed lounges can offer video or board games, yoga classes, or big screen showings of the big game or awards shows. Those lucky enough to have a neighborhood weed lounge can easily tap into the local stoner community.
States where cannabis lounges are legal
The concept of cannabis lounges is less exotic than it once was. Even those in states with no form of legal pot might have heard of social consumption or visited a lounge while on vacation. As these establishments become a normal occurrence, more states will likely jump on board. For now, these are the places where there are pot lounges.
Alaska
In December 2018, the Alaska Marijuana Control Board legalized on-site consumption for licensed marijuana retailers. These vendors may establish a dedicated cannabis consumption site. This legislation prohibits the use of cannabis concentrates, alcohol, and tobacco products in the same area.
California
California allows cannabis lounges as of September 2024, but local municipalities have the final say. Some San Francisco smoking lounges, like the Vapor Room, were grandfathered in from the medical days under Proposition 215. Los Angeles is also home to Woody Harrelson’s Holy Water and The Artist Tree, both in West Hollywood. More will likely pop up in cities like Sacramento and San Jose in the coming year.
Colorado
As of 2019, Colorado permits on-site consumption of medical and retail marijuana in cannabis cafes, also referred to as retail marijuana hospitality sites. The legislation prohibits the sale of alcohol on the same premise. There are mobile cannabis lounges that use buses or limos as a safe place to consume in Denver, as well as traditional bar-style spaces.
Illinois
Now that weed is legal in Illinois under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, cities can opt to allow cannabis lounges. These watering holes can serve food and drinks provided they get the correct permits and comply with food safety rules. Lounges attached to dispensaries have popped up all over the Prairie State.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts lawmakers have finalized a regulatory framework for weed lounges, but open social consumption sites may be a ways off. Now, the rules and regulations are open to the public and industry for comment. In the meantime, cannabis consumers have taken to private membership clubs like The Summit Lounge.
Michigan
The Land of Lakes allows for “designated consumption establishments,” where people can legally lift off with their favorite weed products. These spaces do not allow on-site sales. Lounge owners can also hold a dispensary license, but the two shall not meet. There are currently three weed lounges operating in the state.
Missouri
Missouri legalized cannabis in 2022, with sales starting the following year. Rules around social lounges are left to individual cities. A few lounges have popped up on county land or surrounding areas as municipalities in larger locales like St. Louis decide the next steps.
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Nevada
The state opened the door for on-site recreational cannabis consumption license applications on October 1st. Since then, Planet 13 opened a lounge in its weed epicenter, and other spaces have joined. However, these weed-friendly joints cannot be on the strip. Though that could inspire tourists to venture off-strip more often.
New Jersey
Licensed cannabis retailers and medical dispensaries may establish their own cannabis consumption area (CCA). Vendors must obtain licenses from both state and local governments before opening a CCA. Food and drink sales are prohibited, but license seekers are innovating on social consumption in other ways.
The Other Side dispensary is hoping to integrate it into the weed wellness center vibe, along with the sister fitness studio SW3AT. New Jersey lounges will likely open doors in 2025.
New York
The Empire State legalized cannabis lounges when it activated its adult-use laws. Since then, consumption-friendly parties have popped up all over New York City, and weed speakeasies have, too.
Texas
The Lone Star state has a stringent medical cannabis program and a rapidly growing hemp THC market. Bars and wellness lounges are popping up throughout the state, from Dallas to Houston, serving up cannabinoid-infused libations and treats. Texas cannabis lounges like The Health Club and Emerald Organics are reaping the benefits of the 2018 Farm Bill– for now.
Cannabis lounges offer a new normal
People all over the world find joy in cannabis. In these states, consumers can link up and light up at a social lounge built for potheads. These public consumption sites may look different in each state for refreshments, entertainment, and even the amount of natural light that flows in–but they all allow weed.
