Cannabis Social Consumption Lounges Will Be Legal in Las Vegas, Thanks to Voting.

by Hunter Dublin | October 3, 2022

The Las Vegas Municipal Council decided on Wednesday to permit cannabis social consumption lounges inside the city limits, according to KSNV. A vote of 5-1 defeated the motion to opt-out of the state's consumption lounge program; otherwise, the city would have been automatically added to the state program.

Councilwoman Victoria Seaman cast the lone "no" vote, claiming that her residents were leery about lounges in residential areas. According to the report, councilman Stavros Anthony did not attend the meeting.

In October, the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) intends to grant licenses to 20 lounges. The only governments in southern Nevada that have so far permitted the lounges are Clark County and the city of Las Vegas. According to the report, City Attorney Bryan Scott, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite, and Boulder City chose to withdraw from the program.

Las Vegas must first alter the municipal code and create ordinances governing the new enterprises before issuing any licenses, so it's probable the city won't begin accepting applications until early 2023.

The CCB adopted the social consumption rules in late June of this year. Social equity candidates are expected to receive half of the first round of licenses. Businesses must file diversity plans explaining their inclusive policies.

One-eighth of an ounce, or 3.5 grams, of cannabis may be taken from the lounge, but not more than that. Finally, lounges must have designated smoking rooms, but outdoor lounges are permitted. Edibles or tinctures containing more than ten milligrams of THC must have a warning label: "Caution – this product is very strong and is not suggested for inexperienced users."