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Obstacles to open: Nevada cannabis consumption lounges face hurdles despite legalization

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Obstacles to open: Nevada cannabis consumption lounges face hurdles despite legalization


LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Years after cannabis consumption lounges were legalized in Nevada, only one operates regularly for public use statewide.

The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board tells FOX5, they have issued 28 conditional licenses to prospective operators.

Barriers to opening

Christopher LaPorte, a consultant working with a client seeking to open a cannabis business in Las Vegas’ Arts District, said three major hurdles prevent businesses from opening.

“The first one is perception. Like, what people think these lounges are supposed to be,” LaPorte said.

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He said lounges will offer more than smoking spaces and will be designed as destinations.

“It’s going to be a restaurant. It’s going to be a movie theater. There’s going to be anything where you’re just replacing alcohol with cannabis,” LaPorte explained.

The second challenge involves finding real estate. State regulations require lounges to operate at least 1,500 feet from casinos, limiting location options.

“Not every property owner wants to lease to cannabis lounge license holders. And so now you have to ask yourself, if you’re a first-time business owner, and you want to open up your first restaurant, do you have to buy the building too?” LaPorte said.

Funding represents the third obstacle for prospective owners entering the new industry.

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State support efforts

Steve Gilbert, chief of administration for the Cannabis Compliance Board, said the agency held a resources fair this week for conditional license holders.

“We know it is difficult. It’s a new industry,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert said the CCB is working to help prospective owners through the licensing process and expressed enthusiasm about proposed business concepts.

“A bowling alley, or a massage parlor or infused products. It’s been remarkable to see, and it will be even more remarkable to see what different business models come to life,” Gilbert said.

LaPorte’s client has held a conditional license for two years. He described her planned business as “a supper club” that will serve “sophisticated food” and “happens to offer you cannabis with it instead of a traditional alcoholic beverage.”

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LaPorte predicted growth similar to dispensary expansion after legalization of cannabis in Nevada.

“I’m hoping to see these things open up by next year, no question,” LaPorte said.

The Cannabis Compliance Board provides resources for prospective owners on its website, including presentations from this week’s resource fair.

The only consumption lounge currently open to the public in Nevada is Dazed! which operates at Planet 13 in Las Vegas.

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Nevada

Nevada Secretary of State announces decrease in active registered voters

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Nevada Secretary of State announces decrease in active registered voters


Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar reported a decrease of 99,628 active registered voters during the month of March 2026 as compared to February 2026. The total number of active registered voters in Nevada is 2,040,752, a decrease of (-4.66%).

Officials say the decrease in active registered voters is due in large part to list maintenance activities conducted by the Clark County Election Department. The office sent 117,650 notices to voters and inactivated approximately 104,945 voters who did not respond to the notice.

The report indicates nonpartisan active registered voters decreased by 36,904 (-4.55%). Republican Party active registered voters statewide decreased by 24,261 (-4.08%). Democratic Party active registered voters statewide decreased by 30,179 (-5.08%). Independent American Party active registered voters decreased by 5,145 (-5.68%), and Libertarian Party of Nevada active registered voters decreased by 939 (-6.26%).

Active registered voters from a compilation of “other” minor political parties decreased by 2,200 (-6.44%).

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Of the 2,040,752 active registered voters in Nevada:

  • 774,669 are Nonpartisan (37.96%)
  • 570,951 are Republicans (27.98%)
  • 563,733 are Democrats (27.62%)
  • 85,369 are members of the Independent American Party (4.18%)
  • 14,051 are members of the Libertarian Party of Nevada (0.69%)
  • 31,979 are members of other minor political parties (1.57%)

The latest voter registration breakdown can be found under the Elections tab or by clicking here.



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Three vie for seat on Clark County bench 

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Three vie for seat on Clark County bench 


Justice of the Peace Jessica Goodey, State Bar of Nevada General Counsel Daniel Hooge, and newly appointed Clark County District Judge Pete Thunell are competing for the Dept. 26 seat vacated by retired District Judge Gloria Sturman.  In March, Gov. Joe Lombardo appointed Thunell to the seat after the state’s Judicial Selection Commission nominated Thunell […]



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3-star Liberty RB announces commitment to Big 12 school

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3-star Liberty RB announces commitment to Big 12 school












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BYU football lands Ezra Sanelivi from Liberty High | Nevada Preps





















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