Colorado law permits licensed on-site cannabis consumption spaces (often called “marijuana hospitality establishments”) with both state and local approval. The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) of the Colorado Department of Revenue issues two lounge-style licenses: a Marijuana Hospitality Business License (for consumption only) and a Retail Marijuana Hospitality and Sales Business License (for consumption and on-site sales).
Establishing a California cannabis lounge requires navigating a complex web of local and state rules. As an experienced California cannabis consultant, I’ll walk you through every step – from local permits to state licensing – needed to open and operate a safe-consumption lounge. California’s laws have recently changed: new legislation allows licensed dispensaries and microbusinesses to create “Amsterdam-style” consumption spaces.
Creating a standout cannabis consumption lounge requires more than style—it demands airtight compliance, optimized workflows, and an ambiance that elevates the guest experience. In this guide, we share essential design and build-out considerations, from space planning and ventilation to ADA accessibility and fire-code compliance. Leverage our Cannabis Consultants in keeping vendors, contractors, and regulators aligned so your lounge opens on time and within budget.
Across much of the U.S., legally consuming cannabis is restricted to private residences—and even then, landlords or HOAs often ban it. Although retail sales of cannabis are legal in several jurisdictions, only a handful of public venues let adults consume their purchases on-site. Alaska led the way in December 2018, when its Marijuana Control Board rolled out statewide rules for on-site consumption. But it wasn’t until 2019 that the Original Cannabis Café in West Hollywood became America’s first social lounge. Since then, more states have drafted their own frameworks to permit these communal spaces.
A Retail Cannabis Dispensary is a licensed establishment that sells cannabis products to consumers for recreational or medicinal use. These establishments vary from small boutique stores to large-scale operations with multiple locations. A retail cannabis dispensary must navigate complex regulatory environments, adhere to strict quality control measures, and build strong relationships with suppliers and customers.
The journey from concept to operation is challenging and complex in the cannabis industry. One critical phase that determines the success of a cannabis business is Cannabis Business Startup Commissioning. This process, also known as the cannabis business launch process or cannabis business commissioning, ensures that every system and operation within your facility is designed, installed, tested, and ready for full-scale production.
A Retail Cannabis Dispensary is a licensed establishment that sells cannabis products to consumers for recreational or medicinal use. These establishments vary from small boutique stores to large-scale operations with multiple locations. A retail cannabis dispensary must navigate complex regulatory environments, adhere to strict quality control measures, and build strong relationships with suppliers and customers.
Developing a New York cannabis facility design requires more than just constructing a building—it demands strategic planning to optimize efficiency, ensure compliance, and support scalability. Given New York’s evolving cannabis regulations, a well-planned facility can streamline operations and set the stage for long-term success. Similar to food processing plants, cannabis cultivation facilities must be designed for workflow efficiency, regulatory adherence, and future expansion to remain competitive in the market.
Ensuring occupant safety is a top priority for any industrial facility, and cannabis cultivation sites are no exception. With legalization expanding and regulatory scrutiny increasing, facility owners, design professionals, and project stakeholders must collaborate to create safe, efficient, and compliant environments. Even seemingly minor operational details can influence crucial design and construction decisions.
