Nevada’s Inaugural Cannabis Lounge Opens, Featuring Prominent Politician Smoking a Joint at 4:20

Nevada has recently marked a historic achievement in the burgeoning cannabis industry with the formal inauguration of the state’s inaugural legal cannabis consumption lounge. This significant event was notably accentuated by the presence of a prominent local lawmaker who, in a ceremonial gesture, smoked the first joint at the auspicious time of 4:20 pm. This act served not only as a symbolic nod to cannabis culture but also as a pivotal moment in Nevada’s ongoing journey toward embracing and regulating cannabis use.

The official opening took place on a Friday, setting the stage at the THRIVE Cannabis Marketplace facility, strategically located in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas. This premier gathering invited patrons to engage in cannabis consumption within the establishment’s inviting atmosphere for the very first time. The lounge went beyond merely facilitating a space for smoking; it offered an expertly curated selection of cannabis products alongside innovative, non-alcoholic, THC-infused beverages, catering to a diverse range of palates and preferences.

This groundbreaking development in Nevada’s cannabis framework was made possible through a comprehensive rulemaking process dedicated to establishing a new category of licenses specifically designed for cannabis consumption lounges. The Nevada Cannabis Control Board (CCB), after a thorough review, extended its final approval to the “Smoke and Mirrors” lounge earlier this month, thereby enabling this pioneering venture to come to fruition.

The path to this momentous occasion began in earnest last June when the regulatory body approved an initial cohort of licensees earmarked for cannabis consumption lounge operations. This approval followed a meticulous preliminary review of 40 potential hospitality ventures seeking to enter this new domain. Among the contenders, THRIVE Cannabis Marketplace distinguished itself as one of the select few entities to be approved, thereby laying the groundwork for this innovative cannabis consumption space.

Mitch Britten, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of THRIVE Cannabis Marketplace, conveyed his profound excitement and pride at leading the initiative towards this landmark achievement. Through a formal declaration, Britten reaffirmed THRIVE’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of operation and providing unmatched cannabis experiences. He heralded this initiative as a transformative milestone for the city of Las Vegas and a clear indication of THRIVE’s commitment to spearhead innovation in the cannabis sector.

The event’s historical resonance was further amplified by Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom, who had the distinction of being the first person to legally purchase and consume a joint at the lounge, precisely at 4:20 pm. In a tribute to Commissioner Segerblom’s instrumental role in advocating for cannabis legalization and its community integration, the lounge dedicated a signature THC-infused beverage, aptly named “The Godfather,” in his honor.

The successful launch of THRIVE Cannabis Marketplace’s consumption lounge signifies a crucial step forward in the normalization and regulatory acceptance of cannabis within Nevada. It establishes a precedent for the development of cannabis consumption spaces across the nation. The opening of this lounge heralds a new era in Nevada’s cannabis narrative, promising an exclusive and refined setting for both aficionados and novices to explore and enjoy an extensive array of cannabis products.

This event not only embodies the progressive stance Nevada has taken towards cannabis regulation and acceptance but also reflects the broader societal shift towards recognizing the importance of providing safe, regulated environments for cannabis consumption. It underscores the state’s dedication to pioneering innovative approaches within the cannabis industry, setting a benchmark for others to follow. As Nevada progresses through the intricacies of cannabis laws and culture, the creation of the THRIVE Cannabis Marketplace consumption lounge exemplifies the state’s dedication to nurturing a responsible and welcoming cannabis community.

Las Vegas Lights Up: The Dawn of Cannabis Lounges

“I have been anticipating this moment since the 1960s: the opportunity to legally engage in cannabis consumption in a public setting,” Segerblom expressed. He envisages Las Vegas evolving into the ‘New Amsterdam’—poised to become the global epicenter of cannabis culture.

Christopher LaPorte, who holds the position of managing partner at RESET, a cannabis hospitality enterprise collaborating with THRIVE on this pioneering project, conveyed immense enthusiasm regarding the launch of Las Vegas’s first state-sanctioned cannabis lounge. “Our ambition extends beyond merely providing a venue for cannabis aficionados,” he articulated. LaPorte envisions the establishment not just as a venue for cannabis enjoyment but as a vibrant social nexus for patrons. With Smoke and Mirrors’ extensive product selection, the goal is to offer a memorable encounter that has a lasting impact on visitors.

Smoke and Mirrors welcomes individuals over the age of 21, operating from 4:00 pm to midnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from noon to midnight from Thursday to Sunday, offering flexible hours for guests to enjoy its offerings.

The Nevada Cannabis Control Board (CCB) disclosed earlier this month that a total of 19 lounges have received approval for a conditional license. This includes 14 retail-attached lounges and five independent establishments, marking a significant expansion in the state’s cannabis lounge landscape.

Tyler Klimas, who held the position of executive director of the CCB from 2020 until late 2023, remarked in a recent podcast that the development of cannabis consumption lounges symbolizes the “next frontier” in the industry’s evolution. This innovative shift is geared towards accommodating a more diverse and comprehensive cannabis experience.

The legislative groundwork for this development was laid out through a bill introduced by Assemblyman Steve Yeager (D) and ratified by former Governor Steve Sisolak (D) in 2021. The law envisages a broad spectrum of business models that integrate cannabis with various services, including yoga sessions, infused culinary offerings, THC-enhanced massage therapy, and other creative applications of cannabis.

Governor Sisolak highlighted the uniqueness of Nevada’s approach to cannabis lounges. He emphasized that, unlike other states where consumption lounges may lack additional amenities, Nevada’s establishments are envisioned as comprehensive entertainment hubs. These venues aim to spur job creation, foster industry growth, and stimulate economic development.

In adherence to board-approved regulations, all cannabis consumption within these lounges must be conducted away from the public’s view. Facilities are mandated to have designated areas for smoking and vaping or to prohibit these activities entirely. Moreover, the rules stipulate that single-use or ready-to-consume cannabis products cannot be removed from the premises. Furthermore, to ensure the well-being of patrons, lounges are required to offer water to each guest at no cost, highlighting the state’s commitment to responsible and enjoyable cannabis consumption experiences.