Nevada’s first cannabis tasting room is set to open

After three years of political gridlock over cannabis consumption lounges in Nevada, the state Legislature recently passed a measure to kick the can down the road for yet another two years, preventing lounges from opening until at least 2021.

But with tourists and residents alike in need of a legal place to consume, one tribal operator isn’t waiting.

On Saturday, the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe will open its 1,200 square-foot Vegas Tasting Room, housed inside its 15,800 square-foot cannabis megastore that sits on tribal land just two blocks north of downtown Las Vegas.

The lounge will offer small samples of 20 of the store’s 1,000 cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, vape cartridges, and even THC-infused beer.

“They understand we have our own government and we understand they have their own government,” he said. “We know all eyes are on us for this, and we’ve been fortunate to foster good relationships.”

Among those credited with supporting the tribe was Las Vegas City Councilman Cedric Crear, who checked out the new tasting room Wednesday evening as part of an advance tour with Leafly and the Tribal Council.

Crear, whose district includes downtown Las Vegas and the land surrounding the Paiutes’ dispensary, called the occasion “a chance to lead.”

If done right, the Paiutes’ lounge could serve as a model of success for local governments and the state to follow, Crear said.

“They’ve been a solid operator so far on the dispensary side, and this seems like a smart idea,” he said. “The tribe is in a position to do a great service to our community.”

Cannabis samples in the tasting room will be offered from $8 to $25.

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