Since 2016, voters approved Question 2. Nevada’s cannabis industry is a far cry from its previous state. Nevada voted in favor of the common-sense solution to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis. The Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB), was established by the Legislature to enhance oversight and transparency in the cannabis industry. The CCB was charged with the study of cannabis consumption lounges and providing data about the industry’s diversity. The Legislature was presented earlier this year with reports outlining these issues. This data is now available for the Legislature. It is time to make Nevada’s cannabis industry more diverse and equitable, as well as address a major public policy issue regarding social cannabis consumption.
AB341 will be one of the most innovative cannabis laws in the country when it is enacted. This policy would create new businesses, employ hundreds of Nevadans, and generate new revenue for the state. Many of these businesses will be operated and owned by people from our community that have suffered the consequences of the War on Drugs’ failed policies. This is disproportionately true for those of color. Our state must also create new opportunities to hospitality workers who may not be able to find work after the pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Assembly Bill 341 would direct Cannabis Compliance Board to regulate licensing and operation of cannabis consumption lounges. It also allows for new licensees to be entered the market. Although the lounges will be granted based on a scoring system there is no limit to the number of licenses or applicants. However, there will be a limit to the number of licenses that any individual or group can own. The approval of land-use applications would be done by local governments. Those who are eligible for business licenses will also be granted. Social equity applicants will have the chance to apply for and obtain a license. This is a first in Nevada’s cannabis market.
The two new licenses for cannabis consumption lounges would allow both independent and existing retailers to apply. Both would operate nearly identically with some exceptions. Both license types would allow for the sale of cannabis, and also allow for the creation of new products such as ready-to-consume infused cannabis foods and beverages. Independent cannabis consumption lounges will have the option to sell cannabis-based products as part of their business model. They could choose to stop selling cannabis products. However, regulations would allow them to deliver cannabis to customers through a licensed cannabis shop. They may allow customers to bring legal cannabis into the venue in sealed packages from a licensed cannabis retail store.
The post THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: The Case For Cannabis Consumption Lounges was first published on Chamber of Cannabis.
