The hot topic of social venues designed solely for cannabis consumption is one that raises as many questions as it does high anticipation, not only for consumers but cannabusinesses as well. Social consumption lounges, when done mindfully, could be a serious game changer for the cannabis industry.
This month, The Cannabis Compliance Alliance (CCA) released the second episode of its brand new monthly web series. The Cannabis Compliance Alliance (CCA) meets monthly to initiate provocative discussions on industry concerning topics, informing everyone of the current problems, and where the industry experts are with developing the solutions.
In Episode 2 of CCA’s YouTube series, The GMP Collective’s own David Vaillencourt joined Kim Stuck, Founder and CEO of Allay Consulting LLC, Mark Slaugh, Founder and CEO of iComply LLC, and Merrill Gilbert, Co-Founder & CEO of TraceTrust to discuss the exciting anticipation, as well regulatory and safety concerns, of modern cannabis consumption lounges.
Until recently, consumption lounges in Denver and other cities were limited to bring-your-own-cannabis style of operations. But now, due to a new hospitality and sales license, the city is opening up venues where adults can buy and consume cannabis on site.
To run a successful cannabis consumption lounge, it’s essential to know how to run and promote a business, and more importantly, how to stand out and provide an experience, not just a space for consumption: think Instagram-worthy décor, aesthetic views, live entertainment, infused menu options, and even strain taste testing at 12,000 feet high in some states. How does cannabis supplement an experience?
However, Stuck highlights the importance of understanding the regulations, as there are lots of tight nuances in each state. Public consumption spaces need to be facilitated with safety as the number one priority. As Mark points out, public consumption spaces could pose serious public health risks if operated incorrectly, such as overconsumption, air quality concerns, and fire hazards due to overcapacity.
Overconsumption has been observed at past public events like Canna Cups, where individuals who may not understand the nuances and importance of dosing were both overserved and overserving. At the end of the day, the rules and regulations must be crystal clear for both businesses and consumers.
Gilbert stresses the need for cannabusinesses to approach public consumption spaces with a bigger picture in mind– not just the regulatory side, but establishing a solid foundation on which to build and grow. Starting with the basics, like equipping staff properly, establishing services and setup, and forming an atmosphere is an essential start, says Gilbert.
David agrees that it’s critical for cannabusinesses to take corrective and preventive action to save resources, provide effective training and education for staff, place an emphasis on careful dosing, and comprehend the value of knowing the differences among dosing (remember: start low, go slow!) and delivery methods (smoking a joint vs. eating an edible, for example). The addition of food and beverages comes with its own set of requirements, but without a doubt amplifies the experience of the venue.
Want to be a part of the conversation? Watch Episode 2 of The Cannabis Compliance Alliance’s monthly web series here.
Be sure to subscribe to CCA’s YouTube Channel and hear from co-founders Kim Stuck, Founder and CEO of Allay Consulting LLC, Mark Slaugh, Founder and CEO of iComply LLC, Merrill Gilbert, Co-Founder & CEO of TraceTrust and our very own David Vaillencourt of The GMP Collective every month!
Follow The Cannabis Compliance Alliance (CCA) on LinkedIn to keep up with their latest topics and discussions. If you have any topics you want to see them cover in an upcoming post or video, you can email them directly at [email protected].
