Marijuana in Las Vegas

I’ve been super curious about legal marijuana ever since I met with the staff at Essence Las Vegas in early 2018. In addition to learning about the confusing laws in Nevada, I learned a lot about the products. I’m not a smoker so I assumed using marijuana was just smoking a joint or blunt or eating a pot brownie. There are actually many ways of enjoying marijuana in Las Vegas that I didn’t know about.

All sides of legal marijuana in Las Vegas fascinate me today as someone that writes about Las Vegas.

Buying and Using Legal Marijuana

Buying Marijuana: Legal marijuana for tourists visiting Las Vegas can be confusing. Legally, you just need to be 21 (or 18 with a medical card) or older to purchase marijuana from a Las Vegas dispensary. You cannot use a credit card to purchase marijuana. All dispensaries take cash, some also take a debit card but they add a fee for processing. Most, if not all, dispensaries have an ATM if you run low on cash.

Using Marijuana: It is not legal to use marijuana in public or in a casino or hotel (despite the smell of marijuana in every casino-hotel). It’s only legal to use marijuana in a residence right now.

Bottom line is that you can buy marijuana but not use it unless you’re in a residence. When I spoke with Armen Yemenidjian from Essence he noted that their Vegas Strip location sells 80% edibles while the two locations off the Vegas Strip sell 80% flower to smoke. It’s easier to consume an edible in public than it is to smoke.

Marijuana Lounges: Marijuana lounges are coming to Las Vegas soon. These will be lounges where anyone can legally use marijuana. However, the lounges will not be in a casino or gaming establishment. This year only existing dispensaries can apply for permits to open consumption lounges. Next year more locations will be able to apply for a license. Lounge locations and opening dates haven’t been announced yet.

Where To Buy Legal Marijuana: There are a lot of dispensaries in Las Vegas. I recommend checking out Weedmaps or Leafly online or mobile app to find a convenient location.

Essence is the only dispensary on the Vegas Strip. However, there are plenty close to the Strip. Planet 13 is off the Strip but near Wynn. It’s one of the most popular for tourists because it looks like a massive Apple store. Most dispensaries are just stores selling marijuana. While that might be cool, it can be a bit underwhelming.

Where to Stay – Airbnb

420 Friendly Airbnb: We first wrote about marijuana friendly Airbnb in Las Vegas in 2017. Since most Airbnb rentals are private residencies, they can be good accommodations for marijuana. They’re also useful if you’re looking for lodging in Las Vegas but are sick of paying fees. Not all Airbnb houses and apartments are smoking friendly so make sure you read the rules of each location. Try searching “420 Airbnb Las Vegas” for some options.

Marijuana and Me

I only tried marijuana twice before it was legal in Las Vegas. Neither experience was good, in part because I can’t smoke without hacking up a lung. Homemade edibles were sketchy and just made me feel weird.

Legal marijuana edibles aren’t perfect with so many manufacturers trying to cash in on the legal marijuana gold rush. However, they’re better than Bobo’s brownies (Bobo was her nickname). Since that interview last year I’ve been curious about how marijuana could help relax my mind and help my aches from becoming an old man.

Cannabis Types – Sativa and Inidica

I’ve been experimenting with a variety of edibles from candy to oils since I can’t smoke. I’ve learned that there is a real difference between Sativa and Inidica. The vibe from Indica reminds me of the feeling after a few beers. I like this feeling. Sativa is closer to drinking tequila – I don’t drink tequila because it sort of makes me nutty.

I experimented with CBD because there are supposedly health benefits. Friends have felt incredible effects with aches and pains but it does nothing for me so I moved on.

I’m definitely not a legal marijuana expert but I know much more than I ever thought. The small dose of marijuana edibles gives me a nice mellow way for me to end my day. I never expected this, but I’ve really come to enjoy marijuana. Who knew?!