Illinois launched recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1, and less than a month later, the state is planning to open the first marijuana consumption lounge where people would be allowed to use marijuana freely on-site.
Springfield City Council approved a marijuana consumption lounge with a vote of 9 to 1. The HCI Alternatives consumption lounge will be located in the downtown area of Springfield.
Illinois has allowed people to consume marijuana in the comfort of their residences. But, with the approval of marijuana consumption lounges, fans can now consume weed socially away from their homes.
Springfield Alderwoman Doris Turner said that the reason they approved the opening of marijuana lounges was to ensure the safety of people looking to consume marijuana, which is now legal in the state of Illinois. Individuals aged 21 and above are allowed to possess and consume marijuana in the state. Turner further said that she believes that people would be more comfortable and responsible, and they will behave similarly to how they behave when they go to a bar.
The sole dissenting councilman, Alderman Joe McMenamin, said that he was concerned over the consumption of both alcohol and marijuana in the state of Illinois.
During the first day of recreational marijuana sales in Illinois, the dispensaries sold marijuana worth approximately $3.2 million, and the state dispensaries are experiencing a marijuana supply shortage; thus, not meeting the demand of its residents.
The need for safe consumption sites is on the rise as more and more states legalize recreational marijuana.
In the United States, Social Consumption Lounges are places where people can socialize while freely using marijuana, and the lounges are gaining popularity since more places can be seen establishing the consumption lounges.
Speaking to the State-Journal-Register, the owner of HCI, Chris Stone, said that he expects the marijuana lounge to be opened in April. He also said that he hopes that it will be an inspiration for the establishment of other lounges in Illinois.
Stone further said that since it is the first time they are looking to open a consumption lounge in Illinois, they are hoping that in the next three or four months, they will have developed a model that can be used by other businesses looking to venture into the same thing.
Stone also told the news outlet that people could use the movie theater behind the company’s facility to learn how to make marijuana-infused edibles.
Lowell Farms is a Cannabis Café that was opened last year in October in West Hollywood. The café has both an indoor and outdoor patio where people can consume marijuana. The café also sells marijuana products such as flower, concentrates, and edibles.
It is widely believed that cannabis industry players, such as MCTC Holdings Inc. (OTC: MCTC) and Dama Financial, are pleased to see a gradual acceptance of marijuana consumption lounges since it is only logical that there should be a way for people to consume legal marijuana in regulated places outside their homes.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer
Do you have a questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor
CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.
