Where Are the Cannabis Lounges and Cafes We Were Promised?
When cannabis first started becoming legal in the U.S., we were promised cafés, lounges, and sensory experiences—places to gather, share a joint over coffee, and enjoy the plant we fought so hard to legitimize. Yet here we are, in 2024, with the reality that smoking cannabis in public is mostly banned, relegating use to private homes, and even that is restricted for renters in many cases. Some apartment renters, for instance, face policies that ban smoking cannabis in their own homes or on balconies. But while we’ve prohibited individual consumption in outdoor spaces, grow facilities are allowed to emit pungent aromas that fill entire highways with the scent of Kush.
But while state law prohibits individual consumption in outdoor spaces, licensed grow facilities are allowed to emit pungent, skunky aromas that blow through highways and neighborhoods, filling the air with the unmistakable perfume of sweet-smelling Kush. - Michael Cassini
Instead of fostering spaces for responsible, social consumption, Arizona’s approach to cannabis is backwards, limiting our options to isolated use in private or out of sight. I’ve recently visited two “lounges” in Tempe, Arizona. Exhale Lounge, once a promising spot, was shut down by the city of Tempe. Another spot, High Lounge, was hidden behind a smoke shop, accessible only after paying for a membership. While the concept is commendable, the atmosphere leaned more toward a speakeasy than a publicly, community-driven lounge. Perhaps, The High Lounge in Tempe, Arizona chose to be a private membership club but they are likely doing so to cleverly comply with city regulations. It's very cool of The High Lounge to bring camaraderie and public gatherings into Arizona where we’re forced to consume in the shadows, as if this were Prohibition-era America.
Cannabis Cafes & California AB 1775
As of January 1, 2025, California’s new law AB 1775 will allow cannabis cafes to offer on-site consumption of regulated cannabis products. At first glance, this seems like a huge leap for public cannabis culture in the U.S., but hold on—there are some serious caveats. While you can legally smoke cannabis at these cafes, you won’t be able to purchase or consume any cannabis-infused foods or beverages on site. Yes, you read that right. No edibles, no THC-infused drinks—just regular food and non-alcoholic beverages, with cannabis smoking permitted. Live music, fun, and smiles are encouraged, but don’t expect to order a space cake with your coffee anytime soon.
For something marketed as a “cannabis cafe,” it sure feels like it’s missing a big part of the experience. California’s strict regulation makes it feel more like a glorified smoking area than the vibrant, open lounges people envision. Let’s be honest, being able to serve low-dose edibles or infused beverages shouldn’t be a concern, especially when we already have strict controls on alcohol consumption in bars. Why not apply the same principle to cannabis? Imposing reasonable limits is entirely possible, so it’s baffling why the state won’t take that extra step to allow patrons a more immersive experience.
Compare this to The Mint Dispensary in Tempe, Arizona—where the concept of a cannabis cafe truly comes to life. The Mint offers a full-service menu of infused foods, from wedding cakes and pizzas to burgers, wings, and even custom orders with dosages for medical patients. Now that is what a cannabis cafe could be—an exciting fusion of food and cannabis that enhances special events and gatherings.
While California’s new law is certainly a move forward, it still falls short of what’s possible. For now, the cannabis cafes will give people a legal space to consume cannabis publicly, but it’s hard not to imagine a future where we can enjoy a low-dose edible or sip a THC-infused latte in a truly relaxed, cafe-style setting. Hopefully, this is just the first step, and states will continue evolving these regulations to offer more engaging, consumer-friendly cannabis experiences.
Until then, if you want to see what the future of cannabis cafes could look like, take a trip to Tempe, Arizona, and visit The Mint Dispensary, where the possibilities are already being realized.
Some states have gotten it right, looking to Europe’s café model. Places like Amsterdam and Barcelona host vibrant, safe, and enjoyable cannabis lounges that are an integral part of their social fabric. These lounges provide not only a space to consume, but to connect with others, read a book, play a game of pool, or sip a tea infused with low-dose THC. And it’s not just Europe: hemp lounges in Nashville, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; Port St. Lucie, Florida; and up in the New England area offer an experience that Arizona consumers can only dream of. You walk in, order an infused green tea or coffee, relax in a well-designed lounge, and unwind with friends. Yet Arizona’s policies keep us trapped in a cycle of private consumption without providing public spaces for social engagement.
For cannabis legalization to be complete, consumption must be part of the equation. Dispensaries have yet to make any meaningful push to advance these types of spaces, despite collecting our tax dollars every step of the way. Where is the investment back into our communities? Our tax dollars go to public services like education and policing, but we haven’t seen any improvements in areas that benefit consumers. And instead of creating spaces where people can enjoy cannabis responsibly, the current approach simply mandates that we buy it and take it home.
It’s worth noting that none of us had trouble finding cannabis before legalization. Cannabis has been accessible on the street for decades, particularly in West Coast states. We believed that legalization would bring not only easier access but also diverse methods of consumption—places to relax, explore, and experience cannabis for recreational, medical, or social use. Veterans, people with disabilities, and recreational users alike deserve safe spaces to consume without stigma. But instead, we’re told to go home, close the door, and stay out of sight.
Why not let people enjoy cannabis in designated lounges instead of limiting them to smoking in their homes and backyards? We’re ready for spaces where people can consume responsibly, just as they would in a bar with alcohol. Lounges could reduce consumption on highways, which are often filled with the odor of grow facilities, and return it to indoor, well-designed spaces that respect both the consumer and the community. Cannabis culture deserves a place to gather and thrive.
Imagine a world where dispensaries and lounges are connected—just like bars and restaurants that serve a community. Instead of a hidden back room, lounges would offer inviting seating areas, dab bars, infused drinks, and more. Consumers could enjoy the experience publicly without feeling like outlaws. This shift would align Arizona with other states and cities making strides in cannabis culture, where lounges are not just allowed, but celebrated. In Barcelona, for example, cannabis lounges operate peacefully within the community, respecting the neighborhood’s needs and gaining positive recognition.
Public consumption is the next frontier in cannabis legalization in the United States. The demand is here, and there’s no reason states like California, Arizona and Nevada couldn’t lead in creating the spaces consumers deserve. Legalization shouldn’t stop at buying cannabis; it must include providing spaces to experience it safely, socially, and responsibly.
Cannabis Focused Lounges That We Like:
1. Pressure Smoke & Vape Shop - Nashville, TN
Address: 705 18th Ave S, Ste A, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
This shop offers a variety of products, including hemp, CBD, and tobacco, and features a dab bar where customers can sample products. All adults are welcome, no need to become a member.
2. The High Lounge - Tempe, AZ
Website: thehighlounge.com
Looking for a spot to unwind with good vibes, entertainment, and great company? Look no further than The High Lounge in Tempe, Arizona. With affordable membership options, you’ll have access to a space designed for relaxation, culture, and fun. Enjoy live events, curated snacks, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can find their happy place. Check out their hours and upcoming events on thehighlounge.com and dive into a unique experience that blends community and comfort effortlessly.
3. The Weed Spot - Dallas, TX
Address: 2819 Commerce St. STE 100, Dallas, TX 75226
Hours: SUN-WED 11am-10pm, THUR 11am-11pm, FRI-SAT 11am-12pm
Known for its cannabis café atmosphere, The Weed Spot offers a selection of CBD and hemp-based products along with coffee and snacks in a relaxed setting at its four Texas locations.
4. The Astor Club - NY City
The Astor Club is a discreet cannabis lounge located in New York City. The club operates as a members-only venue, making it accessible only to those who have connections to get an invite. Members enjoy curated cannabis experiences, including high-quality products and events. Although the exact address of the Astor Club isn’t openly advertised, it’s situated near Astor Place in Manhattan, adding to its mystique and appeal.
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