At Manzuri Law, our dedicated cannabis business attorneys in California have helped clients rapidly grow and diversify the landscape of weed-friendly businesses throughout the state.
The latest commercial cannabis business model becoming increasingly popular in California are social consumption lounges.
Here are a few things you should know before venturing into a marijuana lounge near you.
What are Cannabis Social Consumption Lounges?
Consumption lounges, also called cannabis consumption lounges and marijuana lounges, are spaces where patrons can purchase cannabis and cannabis products to smoke, vape, and/or consume edibles safely, onsite and in a social environment.
These lounges currently operate in combination with a storefront (Type 10) retailer license though the regulations are nuanced as to how they can be co-located. Due to the complex nature of this specific license type, proper planning is even more important before signing a lease. Contact one of our licensing specialists in advance of committing to a location to be sure you can proceed in compliance with the regulations.
While California’s marijuana laws prohibit the consumption of alcohol and marijuana on the same property, like bars that serve alcoholic beverages, all patrons of a cannabis lounge must be at least 21 years of age.
What Laws Govern Cannabis Consumption Lounges in California?
Although recreational marijuana use is technically legal throughout California, state law continues to prohibit people from consuming cannabis in public. Essentially, barring anyone from smoking on the streets, in parks, or at most business establishments.
In addition to the State imposed regulations, social consumption lounges must also adhere to a stringent set of rules and regulations specific to the municipality where the consumption lounge is located.
State regulations, and particularly the new cannabis regulations, are prone to change, however. The Department of Cannabis Control provides the most up to date information and the latest set of proposed regulations for licensed cannabis retailers that operate consumption areas.
These lounges are considered a win for the cannabis industry because they provide consumers — including California residents and visitors alike — with a physical place to consume safely and legally. Most importantly, these lounges are instrumental in changing the social narrative and negative stigma surrounding the use of cannabis. These spaces are meant to emulate any adult-use establishment where consenting adults are able to freely, legally and safely enjoy their purchases and decision to imbibe.
Are You Interested in Opening a Cannabis Social Consumption Lounge in California?
For more than a decade, our experienced cannabis business lawyers have successfully helped our California clients with regulatory compliance licensing, assessing merger and acquisition opportunities, and real estate, land use, and zoning rights.
Schedule a consultation online or call 310.912.2960 to discuss your unique commercial cannabis business needs with our experienced California attorneys today.
For more than a decade, our skilled cannabis law firm has successfully helped our California clients with regulatory compliance licensing, assessing merger and acquisition opportunities, and real estate, land use, and zoning rights. Contact us today to learn more.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice.