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).
An outstanding consumption lounge is defined not just by ambiance, but by the variety and quality of products you offer. Whether you opt for a BYO (bring-your-own) model or curate an in-house selection of edibles, pre-rolls, and concentrates, menu development demands strategic sourcing, rigorous compliance, and attention to guest preferences. As your Cannabis Consultants, Catalyst BC partners with procurement, compliance, and culinary experts to craft a menu that delights patrons and drives revenue.
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.
Developing a winning cannabis product strategy is one of the most crucial steps in launching or expanding a cannabis business requiring a deep understanding of market demand, competition analysis, and effective differentiation. This article explains how to develop a robust cannabis product strategy that creates a unique value proposition for your business, leveraging market demand insights, competitive analysis, and smart product differentiation.
A successful cannabis business must carefully select its Cannabis Distribution Channels to maximize market reach and profitability. These channels determine how your product reaches consumers and include various strategies such as retail storefronts, dispensary partnerships, and online sales. Transitioning smoothly between these options requires understanding each channel’s nuances and aligning them with your business goals.
Understanding and defining your target audience is critical for business success. As the industry matures, cannabis companies must tailor their products and services to meet the specific needs and preferences of both medical and recreational users. By carefully analyzing demographics, consumer behavior, and unique customer needs, businesses can develop effective marketing strategies, optimize product offerings, and build a strong brand identity that resonates with their target market.
The Tennessee General Assembly is witnessing a renewed push for cannabis reform in 2025. Lawmakers have introduced bicameral legislation to legalize both medical and adult-use cannabis. However, the effort remains highly partisan, with competing proposals and legislative hurdles posing significant challenges.
In 2000, Colorado voters approved Amendment 20 legalizing medical marijuana. In November 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 legalizing recreational marijuana possession for adults. The measure also required the state to establish a regulatory structure for retail marijuana. On January 1, 2014, retail marijuana sales became legal, except where local governments prohibit retail marijuana sales.
