Las Vegas to Welcome New Cannabis Consumption Lounges Following CCB Decision

LOS ANGELES– In a move reflecting the evolving landscape of the cannabis sector, the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) has awarded six conditional consumption lounge licenses, all set to be situated in Las Vegas. The decision was made during a meeting in Carson City, Nev., on Oct. 24.

Notably, two of the cannabis industry’s leading multistate operators, Curaleaf Holdings and Green Thumb Industries Inc. (GTI), were among the awardees, signaling a significant endorsement of their plans for retail-attached consumption lounges.

Specifically, Curaleaf’s newly-acquired subsidiary from October 2022, Tryke Companies—operating under the banner of Reef Dispensaries—received a conditional license for a retail-attached lounge. On the other hand, Chicago’s GTI was granted a license for its subsidiary, Integral Associates LLC. This lounge, titled ‘Cookies Lounge,’ will be located next to the ‘Cookies On The Strip’ store in Las Vegas, a venture GTI commenced in partnership with Cookies back in August 2020.

As of press time, while Curaleaf has refrained from commenting on the development, GTI’s response remains awaited.

The list of awardees also included NevadaPURE, Desert Evolution, LLC, TGIG, LLC (known as The Grove), and HigherArchy LLC. It’s worth noting that HigherArchy LLC stands out as the sole independent entity, not linked to any retail outlet, that has successfully secured a conditional license. Desert Evolution, meanwhile, is planning a dual indoor-outdoor lounge, linked to its Wallflower retail outlet.

However, the licenses are just the first step. David Staley, the division chief of investigations for the CCB, clarified, “If approved, applicants will still need to go through the required local clearances and undergo a conclusive inspection by the CCB’s Inspection and Audit Division before commencing operations.”

The CCB has stipulated a one-year window for these lounges to become fully operational. For those interested in the detailed guidelines and timelines associated with these licenses, further insights are available in the NCCR 5.085 regulations.

As Las Vegas continues its journey in the cannabis industry, these lounges signify a new chapter in integrating cannabis into the city’s renowned entertainment and hospitality offerings.