Those of us lucky enough to have shared cannabis in a comfortable atmosphere, with trusted friends, can attest to the life-affirming, positive-vibe inducing love fest that this can ultimately create.
Unfortunately for many, inaccessibility to cannabis products, or living in a rented space where smoking is not allowed has served as a roadblock to this experience. Most anywhere in this country, a person over the age of 21 can enter an establishment with a liquor license, sit with a friend and enjoy the experience of relaxing over an alcoholic beverage. They can order food to enjoy along with the drinks and can also do this in most any home without fear of judgement, or worst still… arrest. We’re all keenly aware of the negative effects that alcohol can cause to a person’s health, as well as the high risk of addiction. So why, in contrast, is cannabis not afforded those same rights in our daily lives? Cannabis has been proven to be far less addictive and healthier for daily use. Luckily, there’s a silver lining. As more states move to legalize, some are also choosing to offer permits for “consumption lounges” and in places like Los Angeles, the lounges are proving to be an upscale experience poised to change the face of cannabis. With legalized lounges coming soon to Las Vegas, New York and throughout other metropolitan areas, will this finally offer the key to ending the stigma of cannabis-use once and for all?
In Cali-sober Los Angeles, cannabis use may be more widely accepted than in most any other part of the country. With many high-profile celebrities starting their own cannabis brands, investing in dispensaries and speaking publicly about their own cannabis use – even posting videos of themselves using cannabis on their social media, the golden state is trailblazing the way for social, public consumption. Prolific advocate Woody Harrelson along with comedian Bill Maher recently opened The Woodsin West Hollywood. The space was designed by the team behind the original TAO in New York and many other high-design hospitality establishments. It features a koi pond in the back among other sleek design elements. Other creative concepts abound in La La Land... Aeon Botanica offers a more spa-like atmosphere, with tea served in the lounge along with wellness services like acupuncture, bodywork and nutritionist consultations. Also recently opened is the Artist Tree, a vast space which is slated to include retail dispensary space, a full smoking lounge, yoga studio and a space designed specifically for edible consumption only (no smoking allowed). They also host many cannabis themed social events such as a Wake & Bake Drag Brunch, Puff & Paint and offer a variety of smoking accessories to rent during your visit.
There’s been some unfortunate setbacks in the Cali-cannabis lounge scene. The Lowell Café (the nation’s first consumption lounge, also called Original Cannabis Cafe) featured all manner of cannabis products and a “flower host” who would roll custom joints tableside. The lounge featured a restaurant setting (including the obligatory “toke-age” fee of $20 for those who wished to BYOC). The pandemic hit the location hard, with its doors closing for good in March 2020 and no current plans to reopen.
Other states with lounges already up and running are Alaska, currently only operating one location in Fairbanks called Good Titrations and Colorado also with only one cannabis “bar” called JAD’s Mile High Smoke. While Colorado passed a bill legalizing consumption lounges back in 2016, the city had yet to approve the opening of any proposed concepts until this year. Strangely enough, Michigan is set to open several lounges soon with Kalkushka slated to be the possible front-runner. Housed in an urban building, which was once a pharmacy, the design features exposed brick walls with antique display cases highlighting a vintage flair which pays homage to the building’s extensive history in the city.
Most lounge owners have expressed placing high priority on engaging with the local community and doing their part to normalize cannabis use. Every concept seems focused on creating a quality, highly-social, inclusive atmosphere where folks can feel comfortable meeting new people and where both novice users and cannasseurs alike will find products and services that cater to their needs. If the opening of the Original Cannabis Café in West Hollywood, where folks lined up around the block for a chance to experience social consumption is any indication, there’s no doubt that consumption lounges will soon be as prevalent and (hopefully) as accepted as any other bar or lounge.
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