Commission approves cannabis consumption lounge near Planet 13, accepts separation waiver

The Clark County Commission on Oct. 22 approved a use permit and waiver to allow a cannabis consumption lounge at an existing cannabis establishment south of Desert Inn and east of Western Avenue.

Applicant Mark Mahl told the commission the site — an existing warehouse facility in use for cannabis since 2014 and for retail since 2017 — is about 6.26 acres and the lounge would occupy indoor flex space without changing the building. "We're requesting that use," Mahl said, adding the current separation to an unrestricted gaming property is approximately 1,330 feet, short of the county's 1,500-foot requirement.

Staff explained that state law (NRS provision added when lounges were authorized) allows existing licensed establishments to rely on separations in place when their license was issued, but county code requires a waiver process when current separation standards aren't met. "That is in state law... our code reflects that but does require a waiver to be applied for when they are not meeting that separation, even though it's allowed in state law," staff said.

The chair described the site as appropriate, noting its proximity to existing dispensaries: "this is a long time coming. It's a perfect place for it, given right next to Planet 13." The commission moved, voted and approved the use permit and waiver; the motion passed with one recorded dissent.

The approval authorizes a cannabis consumption lounge inside the existing facility subject to any conditions in the staff report; the transcript does not record the full text of conditions or a detailed roll-call tally. Staff said the project complies with state licensing history and will proceed through required implementation steps under county code.