Under Nevada law, it had only been legal to consume marijuana in private residences. But for visiting-guests who “smoke” while their hosts do not…that could be an inconvenience. To top it off, it is illegal to use marijuana in hotel rooms, and the list goes-on.
Enter cannabis consumption lounges>
On Feb. 26th, Thrive Cannabis Marketplace, Nevada’s first state-regulated cannabis consumption lounge, officially opened. Mitch Britten, the CEO of Thrive, and Clark County Commission Tick Segerbloma, a top local lawmaker who has long advocated for the advancement of legal marijuana lit up the ends of their cannabis joints, and took their hit(s) at 4:20 pm.
The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) voted unanimously to approve regulations surrounding the licensing and operation of these lounges.
Taken from https://ccb.nv.gov/ccb-approves-cannabis-consumption-lounge-regulations: the CCB states “regulations approved today lay the groundwork for greater inclusion within Nevada’s cannabis industry. All applicants must submit a diversity plan, summarizing actionable steps and goals for meaningful inclusion.” Note: Assembly Bill 341 (2021) authorized the CCB to license and regulate cannabis consumption lounges. The CCB will issue two types of consumption lounge licenses: retail and independent. For a general overview visit: ccb.nv.gov.
The cries from advocates for cannabis consumption lounges (CCL’s) hasn’t fallen on deaf ears as Ely City Attorney Leo Cahoon stated, “the CCB reached out to us to see if we were going to allow lounges in the City of Ely. As I looked into it, I took a close look at the Las Vegas Municipal Code, and how they regulate these things. They, sort-of, allow everything the NRS allows.” Lounges must adhere to any local ordinances and receive approval from local jurisdictions before they can open to the public.
In a December City council meeting, Councilman Gene Trask Discussion/For Possible Action: Approval of First Reading of Ordinance 748, Bill No. 2023-01, a proposed ordinance regulating and permitting the licensing of cannabis consumption lounges, and amending Title 3 Chapter 14 of the Ely City Code. Attorney Cahoon stated “this ordinance would allow for any related cannabis businesses, and if the Council isn’t in favor of that, we can certainly limit that.”
Please read the entirety at https:/www.cityofelynv.gov/12-14-23approved minutes.
Nevada is looking at approximately 40 lounges to open throughout the state, giving visitors access to another venue to consume cannabis legally, and in privacy, while also taking the smell out of the air. The Nevada Department of Taxation recorded $650,098,314 from July 2022 to June 2023 in cannabis tax revenue in Clark County alone. So, one can see how a cannabis consumption lounge in Ely, White Pine County could positively impact the local coffers.
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