As more and more states legalize cannabis, the stigma against the plant and the people who use it is slowly waning. A great example of the normalization of cannabis is the appearance of cannabis lounges, which are now legal in a dozen states. Because they are pretty new to the scene; however, many in the cannabis community may wonder what a cannabis lounge is all about.
Cannabis Lounge Basics
In its simplest form, a cannabis lounge, sometimes referred to as a weed bar or weed lounge, is a regulated business where people can gather and smoke, vape, or otherwise enjoy cannabis with friends and other adults. The regulations that govern cannabis lounges and how they operate vary from state to state, so the services available at cannabis lounges also vary by jurisdiction.
Most states that have legalized cannabis lounges allow cannabis retailers to obtain an additional license to allow on-site consumption of cannabis products. The businesses generally expect or require patrons to purchase cannabis products from the dispensary before enjoying them in the lounge. Some allow purchases in the lounge, operating more like a bar where employees serve the customers as they enjoy their visit.
Other states, such as Michigan, permit independent cannabis lounges where patrons are free to bring their own cannabis products to smoke and enjoy while they hang out with others. Regulations in some states, including California, also allow for the establishment of temporary consumption lounges as part of licensed cannabis events. Often, these pop-up cannabis lounges are affiliated with a licensed retail partner, allowing adults attending the event to purchase and enjoy licensed cannabis products, including flower, edibles, vape carts, and more.
Where Are Cannabis Lounges Legal?
Cannabis lounges are currently legal in 12 states that have legalized recreational cannabis. Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York have all legalized cannabis consumption lounges in some form. In some states, local governments are also involved in the regulatory and licensing process for cannabis consumption lounges, often giving them the authority to ban such businesses within their jurisdictions.
The District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands have also approved legislation to legalize cannabis lounges in their jurisdictions.
Unfortunately, none of the states that have legalized medical cannabis exclusively have approved cannabis lounges or other on-site consumption facilities.
What To Expect at a Cannabis Lounge
A visit to a cannabis lounge can be a fun night out as friends and fellow patrons socialize and enjoy cannabis together. Although the experience offered at cannabis lounges will vary based on the business and the state it is located in, all patrons can expect to be asked for identification showing they are at least 21 years old.
Once inside, many cannabis lounges offer sales of cannabis products, often from an attached retail dispensary. Other consumption lounges have budtenders to serve customers as they relax and enjoy the atmosphere. The budtenders are often a great source of information and can help guide clients’ purchases based on the effect they wish to achieve.
The products available at cannabis consumption lounges can include cannabis flower, vapes, edibles, and beverages, depending on the business and local regulations. Some businesses also offer cannabis concentrates and the use of glass rigs or other devices at a “dab bar.”
Some lounges, such as the Dazed Smoking Lounge at the Planet 13 dispensary in Las Vegas (where patrons enjoy cannabis just minutes from The Strip), only allow consumption of products purchased in the lounge. Patrons may be asked if they have any other cannabis products with them and, if so, to secure them in a free locker before entering the consumption area.
Some states have legalized consumption lounges, often referred to as cannabis cafes, because they offer food and drinks in addition to cannabis products. In 2024, California approved legislation to allow cannabis lounges to offer food and nonalcoholic drinks, making cannabis cafes reminiscent of Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops legal in the state for the first time. The legislation also permits establishments to host live entertainment, a feature allowed in other jurisdictions, including Minnesota.
The food offered by cannabis lounges is also subject to each state's regulations. Some states permit full-service cannabis cafes, allowing food to be prepared and served on the premises following state and local health regulations. Other states only allow packaged foods and beverages. Consumption of THC-infused foods is usually limited to pre-packaged, regulated cannabis edibles.
Nearly all states that have approved cannabis consumption lounges, with a few notable exceptions, have adopted rules that forbid the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises. In Minnesota, only retailers selling low-potency hemp edibles are allowed to serve alcohol with the proper license, although they may not serve cannabis and alcohol to the same customer.
No matter what particular services are offered at a cannabis lounge, visitors can expect the business to be a relaxed, inviting place to enjoy cannabis with friends and new acquaintances. Friendly patrons often share their favorite products, and experienced consumers are usually willing to help new members of the cannabis community learn about products, devices, and consumption methods.
How To Find a Nearby Cannabis Lounge
One of the best ways to find a nearby cannabis lounge is to refer to the state registry of cannabis businesses for each state. Most state registries allow users to search by license type, making finding consumption lounges in their area easy.
The information on state registries can sometimes be limited, so independent websites such as Leafly and Weedmaps have been established to offer consumers information on lounges that offer on-site consumption, dispensary listings, and product information.
In states that allow cannabis consumption lounges, patients and consumers have an opportunity to come together and enjoy the plant in a social setting. Because the consumption of cannabis in public is not permitted in many legal states, cannabis lounges fill a void by allowing friends to gather outside of a private home to use cannabis with one another. If you’ve never visited a cannabis lounge, you are missing out on an experience that is growing in popularity as more states legalize cannabis.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
