Nevada Approval Consumption Lounges
Consumers in Nevada can purchase cannabis in stores but then find that they have nowhere to use it. Cannabis consumption is banned in most hotels and casinos. Consumption lounges aim to provide a solution to this. Legislature passed which allows two different types of cannabis lounges. One type lets an existing dispensary add a space for a lounge, with only one lounge allowed no matter how many locations a dispensary has. The other model permits independent businesses to build a consumption lounge with single-use cannabis products for sale. The first lounges are set to open by the end of 2021, with applications starting on July 1st. Planet 13 Holdings, which owns the largest single cannabis dispensary by size globally, has plans to add a cannabis lounge to the location. “We’ve long believed that tourists needed a safe, legal, and enjoyable place to consume cannabis and have been planning for a consumption lounge at the superstore since the bill was originally proposed two years ago,” Bob Groesbeck, co-CEO of Planet 13, says in a press statement. The addition of consumption lounges will add a social aspect to the cannabis industry, similar to bars in the alcohol industry. This will undoubtedly drive revenues in Nevada and upcoming California lounges.
MA Delivery
The Cannabis Control Commission, the governing body of Massachusetts, announced Friday that applicants can now seek pre-certification for delivery licenses. Home delivery has long been allowed for medical marijuana but has been debated for recreational cannabis. The new license allows its holder to buy products from growers and manufacturers and then deliver them to their own customers. It does require them to follow customer verification and safety regulations. The licenses will only be available to participants in the Commission's social equity program for the first three years. "The release of this application serves as an important step in acknowledging the excessive hurdles that many people of color and those disenfranchised face when it comes to starting a cannabis business. This license type is a major piece of the equation in making the Massachusetts cannabis industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive," Aaron Goines, president of the Massachusetts Cannabis Association for Delivery, said. These delivery-only licenses will help level the playing field between large corporations and smaller businesses. However, delivery will benefit both the delivery company and the cultivator, which is most likely owned by a large corporation, which will be a win for all.
Louisiana Smokable Medical Marijuana
In Louisiana, patients can only vaporize cannabis via a "metered-dose inhaler" but cannot purchase flowers to smoke. A bill that just reached the governor's desk aims to change that. It would allow patients access to smokable medical marijuana products. While this bill has reached the governor's desk, another bill is aiming to decriminalize possession finally. The bill, which is in the Senate, would make possession of up to 14 grams of cannabis punishable by a $100 fine instead of jail time. This bill was overwhelmingly passed in the House 67-25 last month.
