WM Policy Releases Whitepaper on Cannabis Consumption Lounges
By WM Communications Team
There’s a new type of cannabis business in town — cannabis consumption lounges. The WM Policy team recently published a whitepaper detailing policy considerations for this emerging sector of the cannabis industry, which has potential to further destigmatize cannabis use, generate tax revenue, and provide additional benefits to the regulated market.
Cannabis consumption lounges are public spaces where adults and patients can consume cannabis safely and legally. There are two primary types: retail lounges, which are attached to a retail dispensary, and independent lounges, which are not associated with a retail dispensary. The “consumption lounge” umbrella can include other types of establishments as well, such as cannabis cafes and hotels.
Though the concept isn’t novel (the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club, founded in 1994, was the first public cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge in the United States), regulated consumption lounges are relatively new to the legal cannabis industry. However, they have become increasingly important in legalization efforts and policymaking in states with established markets. As of February 2022, nine of the 18 adult-use states have permitted some form of consumption lounge, and three of the states to most recently legalize adult-use cannabis — New York, New Mexico, and New Jersey — included consumption lounges in their legalization bills.
“Consumption lounges are a nascent yet important step forward for the cannabis industry,” said Bridget Hennessey, VP of Public Affairs at Weedmaps. “They generate value for cannabis consumers and businesses alike, and as more states begin embracing this growing sector, it’s important for lawmakers to implement policies that allow for safe and responsible use.”
The whitepaper from WM Policy outlines the benefits of consumption lounges, policy recommendations, and state and local consumption lounge frameworks. You can read it here.
Additionally, you can find other policy papers, fact sheets, and more on the WM Policy site.