What Is a Cannabis Lounge?

• Cannabis lounges are legal in a dozen states, including Nevada, California, Illinois, and New York. 

• Many other states have legislation in the pipeline to legalize cannabis lounges 

• RISE opened one of the first cannabis lounges in Illinois next to its Mundelein dispensary, outside Chicago. 

• In states where recreational use and lounges have been legalized, patrons can smoke, vape, and consume edibles at cannabis lounges. 

• Guests can try out different pipes and smoking devices at cannabis lounges 

• Some social consumption lounges serve food infused with cannabis 

As more and more states legalize marijuana, people want to get together in places where they can safely smoke or vape and enjoy the effects of quality cannabis products in a nice social atmosphere. 

Perhaps you have found yourself in a situation where you stopped by a dispensary with a friend, got some quality cannabis flower, and were excited to try it right away. Where could you go? In several states, there is an answer: cannabis lounges.

Want to know where to find cannabis lounges and what you can do there? You came to the right place. Read on to learn about the main characteristics of marijuana lounges in various states and find out which states are next in line to start opening cannabis lounges. 

Why Cannabis Lounges?

Recreational cannabis is legal in 21 U.S. states, yet not all of them have cannabis lounges. The fact that you can legally smoke marijuana doesn´t mean you can do it anywhere you want. In many states, you can only legally consume marijuana products at private residencies. 

Fortunately, most pro-cannabis states are beginning to legalize lounges, and cannabis companies are taking the opportunity to open really cool venues where you can chill and enjoy your favorite strain while remaining on the right side of the state law. 

In Which States Are Marijuana Lounges Legal?

The states that have legalized social consumption so far include: 

• Alaska 
• California 
• Colorado 
• Illinois 
• Massachusetts 
• Michigan 
• New Jersey 
• New Mexico 
• New York 
• Nevada 
• Pennsylvania 

Some of these states are yet to issue cannabis lounge licenses, but it is only a matter of time. The pandemic greatly slowed down the process, as many recently opened lounges were forced to close down in 2020. In 2022, however, the industry seems to be booming. 

The laws are different in each jurisdiction. In Michigan, for example, the law permits the establishment of Designated Consumption Lounges, where adult cannabis enthusiasts can freely smoke and bring their own marijuana products. 

Nevada is one of the most promising states for the cannabis lounge trend. Up until October 27, 2022, the state was taking applications for cannabis lounge licenses. In fact, many cannabis dispensary operators have already been pre-approved for an onsite consumption license.  

Southern California has been a pioneer, with lounges in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, San Bernardino, and beyond.

What Can I Do in a Marijuana Lounge? 

Ready for your first cannabis lounge experience? Choose well and you don´t even have to bring your own bong or marijuana flower. Head to a cannabis lounge connected to a retail store and order away! Your friendly servers will recommend strains and let you try out the latest smoking gear. If you are a newbie, a lounge is a great place to meet people who can advise you on how to get started. 

The vibe at top U.S. lounges is fantastic, and they all have special air filtration systems to ensure the air is clean. Some consumption lounges offer great food, complete with a dose of your favorite CBD and THC products. 

Can You Buy Marijuana at a Consumption Lounge? 

Cannabis consumption lounge licenses don´t necessarily include marijuana sale licenses. Strictly speaking, you can only buy marijuana at a licensed dispensary. However, in many states, licenses for cannabis lounges are being first offered to dispensary operators, and many of them have opened lounges adjacent to their dispensaries.

Can I Smoke in a Lounge? 

Short answer: YES! Although different jurisdictions may implement different rules, there are plenty of cannabis lounges all over legal states where you can smoke/vape marijuana, eat food infused with cannabis, and consume a variety of edibles. 

The concept of great cannabis lounges is to create a cool community space where you can comfortably smoke and test multiple cannabis products in the company of like-minded people. 

Lounges have cannabis specialists at hand who can advise you on the right products to experience the effects you desire. Lounges were created to remove the stigma of doing something illegal (soon to be a thing of the past), and they are already building vibrant communities of cannabis enthusiasts throughout the country. 

Are There RISE Cannabis Lounges? 

You bet! And they are state-of-the-art venues welcoming cannabis lovers since 2021. The RISE Lounge & Smokeasy in Mundelein, Illinois, offers a unique experience. The cannabis lounge started out as a medical cannabis dispensary in 2015 and expanded to recreational use in 2020. Since the addition of the lounge, Smokeasy has become one of RISE’s most visited locations. 

The RISE Lounge & Speakeasy’s mission is “to help to normalize the use of cannabis while also empowering guests with information.” Designed like a bar with tableside cannabis service, this modern cannabis lounge gives guests the opportunity to try out a wide variety of smoking accessories and connect to other patrons through their passion for the plant. 

Open seven days a week, RISE Mundelein offers all the attractions of a happening bar, live music and standup comedy, and brand pop-up events. Located a mere half hour from bustling Chicago, the cannabis lounge is the only place in the region where you can legally purchase and consume cannabis on-site. 

What are you waiting for? Hop on the cannabis lounge vibe today! 

Sources:

• State Medical Cannabis Laws | National Conference of State Legislatures
• Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency
• CCB Approves Cannabis Consumption Lounge Regulations
• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation