A growing number of California cities have begun embracing the concept of marijuana lounges -- an idea once unthinkable in the United States. The Amsterdam-style venues provide smokers with an outlet to engage in the newly legal activity. Their growing prevalence also underscores just how much the times have changed.
One smoke lounge is already up and running at the Barbary Coast dispensary in San Francisco. The cities of Alameda and West Hollywood are considering limited permits as well. Oakland and South Lake Tahoe each have one lounge. Los Angeles or Sacramento could be next.
“There’s nothing like this in Jersey,” said one Atlantic City resident who was visiting the Barbary Coast in San Francisco.
Truth be told, there’s nothing like it in most places that have legalized weed. Alaska and Oregon have rejected marijuana lounges in their midst. Smoke lounges are limited to certain cities in Colorado, but it’s BYO (as in “bring your own”) weed. Massachusetts has tabled the idea following opposition from the governor and law enforcement. Nevada will take up the issue next year.
Even in San Francisco, the concept could be headed for some modification. The city’s pot czar says it’s working on finalizing permits and discussing ways to protect workers from secondhand smoke. But as things currently stand, this smoke-filled trend looks like it's here to stay.
Read more about California cities’ embrace of cannabis lounges here.