Nevada’s cannabis regulator has finally approved rules that will govern the first 60-65 cannabis consumer lounges, a move long desired by an industry keen to better profit from the state’s thriving tourist industry.
The first ones cannabis lounges should open before the end of the year, according to a statement from the Cannabis Compliance Board disseminated on social networks.
Today, the CCB voted unanimously to approve regulations surrounding the licensing and operation of cannabis consumption lounges. pic.twitter.com/1O3R3cXIsr
— Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (@NevadaCCB) June 28, 2022
The regulatory council approved the regulations a year after lawmakers passed a bill allowing salons, and after 15 public meetings and workshops on the issue.
40 to 45 licenses will be issued for places of consumption attached to existing cannabis stores and 20 others for independent lounges.
Ten of these licenses would come with reduced fees for applicants for social equity or for people with a non-violent conviction for cannabis use and living in one of the eligible deprived areas.
One of the criticisms leveled against the rules is the high barrier to entry: Applicants must prove they have $200,000 in liquid assets to obtain a license.
“It (the approval of the regulations) should be seen as a first step. It won’t be perfect,” said Tyler Klimas, executive director of the Cannabis Control Board.
Regulators are expected to open the application process this fall for an opening of the first cannabis lounges before the end of the year, some stores having already built their facilities with the hope of receiving a consumer license.
Only Nevada tribal lands currently have the right to open social cannabis consumption venues.
