Bars have long been a place for people to gather and enjoy each other's company. As cannabis legalization spreads across the country, smoking lounges are starting to see growing popularity. For those who prefer cannabis or simply want an option besides drinking alcohol, smoking lounges provide a great place to relax and socialize. Colorado is on the cusp of widespread approval of cannabis lounges, and that's a wonderful thing.
While not every state with legal recreational cannabis has smoking lounges yet, those that do are seeing booming business. For examples of just how successful smoking lounges can be, we can look at Amsterdam. Their cannabis consumption is safe, social, and great for their economy.
Let's take a look at how smoking lounges will change everything for the cannabis landscape in the US.
Why cannabis lounges matter
A smoking lounge matters for cannabis consumption because legality isn't enough to get rid of the stigma associated with marijuana. Even though the negative aspects of cannabis are unwarranted and incorrect, there is still a broad public distrust associated with it. Cannabis lounges will go a long way to prove that it's every bit as socially acceptable as alcohol.
Cannabis lounges also give people a place to gather and enjoy themselves without alcohol in general. For one reason or another, many people don't want to be around beer or liquor but enjoy cannabis products. Lounges give them an alternative.
Finally, cannabis lounges can be a huge draw for tourists and locals alike. These spots can generate a tremendous amount of revenue for a city, and that's something everyone can get behind.
Cannabis lounges elsewhere
In Amsterdam, cannabis lounges have been around for quite some time. Though they have changed over the years with the advent of vapes, they are still a great place to gather.
The primary rules for places like this focus on the types of cannabis consumed. In Amsterdam, some places allow combustibles, but many are "smoke"-free, in that you can only use edibles and vapes. In the US, the majority of cannabis lounges are smoke-free. Illinois has a handful that are popping up, following their recreational legalization.
The overarching rules governing cannabis still apply, though. These places don't sell cannabis directly, so you have to bring your own. In Illinois, that means cannabis still sealed from the dispensary. They have a modest fee - $4.20 in some cases - and they sell drinks and food. The goal is to relax and have a good time with friends and family.
Vaping and cannabis lounges
For places with non-combustible rules, this means no flower or rigs, but vaping is encouraged. If you're considering a visit to a place like this, there's never been a better time to consider vaping. Vape pens and devices are compact and offer a wide range of strains, with more being added all the time.
Many people prefer the preservation of terpenes that vaping can provide, offering a better flavor. Others like the portability and ease of use that vapes offer, and the reliability of the heating devices. Regardless, there's never been a better time to consider vaping if you're already a cannabis consumer.
In all, cannabis lounges are a great addition to the increasingly visible cannabis culture springing up around us. Places like this serve consumers by offering a place to hang out and enjoy marijuana. They also improve public perception of cannabis use by moving it out of secrecy. If you have a lounge in your area, we highly recommend you check it out.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.