Destination high: American cannabis social lounges worth visiting
When a state legalizes cannabis, some things are bound to happen. Legalization comes with a change in possession laws. Dispensaries, farms, and other businesses will vie for licenses and set up businesses. These are givens. But some things don’t always come with passing medical or adult-use laws.
Home grow rights aren’t always guaranteed when a state legalizes the plant, and cannabis social lounges used to be a rarity. Public cannabis consumption remains illegal in many locales with well-established industries. Slowly, states are accepting cannabis and allowing consumption sites, lounges, and cafes.
These spaces are helpful for a lot of people. Tourists who can’t find a place to consume, locals who want to meet fellow connoisseurs, and those who live in housing that doesn’t allow cannabis consumption can all feel safe at these lounges around the country.
Barbary Coast
San Francisco, CA
Dispensary and cannabis social lounge Barbary Coast is located in the heart of San Fran., CA. Pick up some cannabis products at the dispensary and settle in at the lounge to spark up and soak in the vibe.
The lounge space features five TVs playing anything from sports games to TV shows. Adam P. on TripAdvisor loved the experience. The reviewer commented, “I have been to the coffeeshops in Amsterdam, and this comes as close as you can with the limitations of the US & CA laws.”
Moe Greens
San Francisco, CA
This San Francisco treat is a dispensary and lounge combination boasting a central downtown location. Moe Greens rarely has crowds, but they also only allow visitors to consume cannabis that was purchased there. There is also a charge to enter the lounge, and during peak hours, expect a 30-minute limit. Get keyed in with the events schedule to attend events like karaoke, bingo, and comedy night.
Vapor Room
San Francisco, CA
The historic Vapor Room used to sit nestled in a bright basement retail space in the Lower Haight neighborhood, but now it’s just as brightly lit in its new SOMA district home. Just South of Market street tourists and locals can pick up some of the best weed in California, and then sit back and toke on it.
Mobile Lounges
Denver, CO
The city of Denver granted mobile consumption licenses this year, opening up a new avenue for cannabis tourism. Canna Cabanabus was the first to open. People are lining up at their many stops to hop in.
Cannabis Experience and Colorado Cannabis Tours have also joined the legion of vehicles that offer people a place to legally consume cannabis while out and about. Visit local taco joints, view murals in the art district, or tour industry facilities–every tour offers something different.
Tetra Lounge
Denver, CO
Bring your own weed and lounge about at Tetra, a Denver, Colo. space that offers indoor and garden seating. Members can pop in to sesh or book the place for a private event, guests are welcome.
Molly’s Joint
Tilton, IL
In Illinois, Molly’s Joint recently opened alongside Parkway Dispensary in the small town just east of the Indiana border. The dispensary is minority-owned and vertically integrated. Molly’s Joint is a full restaurant and bar with a gaming area and indoor event spaces. The 21+ establishment is one of the first to offer a robust entertainment menu. Many cannabis lounges aren’t allowed to serve alcohol, so having a full bar at Molly’s Joint is something special.
Summit Lounge
Worcester, MA
Since 2017 The Summit Lounge has served as a private membership club where stoners can enjoy their favorite weed products and socialize with likeminded people. Stick around for a drink or bite at the cafe.
The Cola Private Lounge
St. Louis, MO
This is a private, members only club located in St. Louis for those who want to take a load off and enjoy their weed in a safe, social space.
SkyHigh Lounge
Las Vegas, NV
Formerly the NuWu cannabis lounge, SkyHigh Lounge was the first in Las Vegas. The space is located inside of NuWu dispensary in downtown Las Vegas. Consume cannabis products, take in the view on the rooftop terrace, and order some libations from the bar–this lounge has hospitality covered.
Smoke & Mirrors Lounge
Las Vegas, NV
Gorgeous atmosphere and a shining drink menu shine at Smoke & Mirrors, the first non-Native cannabis lounge in Las Vegas. Enjoy an air of Old Vegas in the regal setting complete with live entertainment and regular events.
Dazed! Consumption Lounge
Las Vegas, NV
Planet 13 has built a name for itself as a cannabis campus right off of the Las Vegas strip, and now they are officially accepting reservations for their licensed consumption lounge. Pull up, light up, and enjoy a show at this unique facility.
Gravity BK
Brooklyn, NY
In the back of DripBK, the coffee house in Brooklyn’s Little Haiti, keen visitors will find cannabis speakeasy Gravity BK. Order from the drink or food menu, where you choose to infuse (or not). The community hub hosts events like Cannabis-Connections networking night or a classic Puff & Paint party. This is a spot to see in NYC.
Grounded Gardens Lounge
Saint Paul, MN
Minnesotans are still riding high on legalization, and many are doing it in the Grounded Gardens patio. The Saint Paul lounge opened on August 1st, but it is one slice of the Grounded Gardens pie.
Many products are grown and manufactured in-house, and the brand hosts cultivation classes, too.
Hot Box Social
Detroit, MI
There aren’t many cannabis lounges in Michigan, but the state does have Hot Box Social. The community event space is in metro Detroit and hosts events like Drag Bingo and local Vendor’s Markets. Hot Box is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Most lounges are connected to a store, but this one doesn’t. Those who need to pick up can order delivery from Breeze Retail.
Teapot
Dayton, OH
Teapot Cafe offers traditional and infused beverages in Dayton, Ohio inspired by traditional Jamaican ganja tea. The establishment has a 50 mg limit and asks that customers refrain from driving after enjoying a big dose.
theFarmacist TetraHydro Social club
Wakefield, RI
Anyone in the Southern Rhode Island cannabis scene has visited theFarmacist TetraHydro Club. The indoor cannabis-friendly music venue has housed past events like Stoner Trivia, CannaBrunch, and the Cultivator’s Club. The space features free wifi, video game consoles, and a 25-foot movie screen.
The American cannabis industry is aging to the point of accepting social consumption, at least in some markets. These spaces are cherished by local cannabis communities and tourists alike, and hopefully, success at these establishments will lead to more over time.