Below are the highlights from today’s Washoe County Commissioner meeting related to the possibility of cannabis lounges in unincorporated Washoe County, which included Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Commissioners Hill, Jung, and Lucey voted in favor. Commissioners Jung and Lucey conclude their terms at the end of this year. It appears they will be moving this forward, prior to their departure from office.
Commissioners provide direction on regulations related to cannabis consumption lounges: Washoe County does not currently have codes related to cannabis consumption lounges, so they are currently prohibited. The Washoe County Community Services Department (CSD) staff presented four areas it is seeking direction on regarding cannabis consumption lounges, which are regulated by the State of Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. The direction addressed two types of lounges: those attached to dispensaries (retail lounge) and stand-alone lounges. Questions posed to the Board are:
- Does the Board want to allow cannabis consumption lounges in unincorporated Washoe County?
- If allowed, should consumption lounges only be allowed as attached to, on the same parcel as, or on an abutting parcel to an existing retail dispensary; or, Does the Board also want to allow independent, stand-alone consumption lounges as authorized by state law?
- If allowed, does the Board want to allow outdoor lounges or only indoor?
- If allowed, does the Board want to limit the number or location of consumption lounges?
“This is something that was voted on by all citizens of Washoe County: to approve the use of recreational marijuana in our state and county,” Commissioner Bob Lucey said.
Commissioners voted 3-2 to proceed with creating county code for cannabis consumption lounges and bring back draft policy within 45 days. The code will have to be heard at two public hearings before being finalized.
“This is not a site-specific policy decision today. We don’t pick where anything goes. This is a county-wide policy we’re asking staff to look at,” Commissioner Kitty Jung said. “Staff and the industry need to work together if there’s an appetite for this. These are revenue-rich resources.”