A New Marijuana Tourism Destination-Las Vegas, Nevada
Pot Lounges In Las Vegas Legalized!
Las Vegas’ History of Recreational Marijuana
Watch out Amsterdam; you are not the only destination for legalized Marijuana tourism. With cannabis becoming increasingly legal and accepted a new, lucrative industry- Cannabis Tourism is now possible. One such place that Amsterdam and even Denver should be worried about is Las Vegas, Nevada.
Las Vegas, Nevada legalized the recreational use of cannabis 2016, and it became officially legal in the summer of 2017. However, the restrictions put onto Nevada’s recreational cannabis industry were strict and of limited use for tourism. For example, in Las Vegas, you can’t legally use cannabis in any hotel rooms, and you’ll be kicked out of the casino for smoking weed.
Arguably, these restrictions are necessary because marijuana is illegal federally and, as a result, casino’s, can’t have cannabis on their property. However, casinos are also afraid of competition and are worried that pot lounges will siphon off tourists away from casinos, which result in less money spent at the casinos.
Essentially, as a result of these restrictions, you can only use cannabis product in your private residence. Therefore, because of these laws, tourists have a hard time legally enjoying marijuana, and the tourism opportunities for legalized marijuana, in Las Vegas, are limited.
Pot Lounges Now Legal
However, on May 1, 2019, the Las Vegas, City Council, by a vote of four to one, allowed cannabis lounges. The cannabis lounges allow tourists and other others to enjoy recreational marijuana in business legally. Casinos still aren’t happy with this; however, the law had a few concession. For example, “Pot Lounges” have to be at least 1,000 feet away from any gaming establishment, and they can’t sell alcohol. Also, the Las Vegas strip can’t have any of these lounges.
Final Thoughts
It’ll be quite interesting to see how this plays out. However, since Las Vegas knows tourism and Vegas is “Sin City.” I am quite optimistic that these “Cannabis Lounges,” maybe a financial boon.
I also don’t think that these lounges will be much competition for casinos. People go to Vegas for gambling, nightlife, and the overall Vegas experience. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that tourists will spend all of their time while vacationing in a pot lounge. Also, many people who aren’t interested in Vegas may come to Vegas because of “Weed Tourism.” So, these marijuana lounges may turn into a lucrative revenue stream both for casinos and the cannabis industry.
Update Nevada voted to study the issue of pot lounges, for two years before they are allowed statewide. It remains to be seen if Nevada will try to enforce this ban in Vegas or allow Vegas to have cannabis lounges. I will update you ASAP.
