CCB grants conditional license to Sunflower Compassionate Company for social‑equity consumption lounge

The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board voted Aug. 21 to grant a conditional independent consumption‑lounge license to Sunflower Compassionate Company, LLC (application ACON A2200046), a social‑equity applicant planning a Clark County lounge, the board said at a public meeting.

David Staley, the CCB’s chief of investigations, told the board that Sunflower had submitted the information required to move to conditional‑license status and that, if approved, the applicants would still need to complete local approvals and pass a final inspection by the CCB’s Inspection and Audit Division before opening for business.

Owner Rachel Lee and partner Celeste Rodriguez described the lounge as a wellness‑focused, community‑oriented, Black‑women‑owned enterprise. "My name is Rachel Lee," Lee said, describing a personal family history with cannabis and saying the business would emphasize medicinal benefits and community education. Rodriguez, who said she has worked in the industry for more than a decade, said the venture aims to "empower, create generational wealth and knowledge" for social‑equity participants.

Board members asked about research and community outreach. In response, Lee discussed plans to host educational information in the lounge and on a website and referenced studies and partnerships she expects to share: "We’ll always have that information available via website… and partner with community advocates or nonprofit groups," she said. Lee also referenced a figure about opioid deaths while discussing outreach priorities: "As of just last year alone, over 53,648 people I believe has passed away on opioid abuse," she said, attributing the statistic to her remarks rather than a staff report.

Members also discussed accommodation for medical users. Applicants said the lounge would include a designated smoking room and a tranquil non‑smoking area to accommodate patients who cannot be in smoky environments and to support a broader wellness focus.

Member Mazarana moved to approve the conditional independent consumption‑lounge license for Sunflower Compassionate Company, LLC; Member Merritt seconded. Without further discussion, the board voted to approve the motion.

The conditional license requires completion of local approvals and a successful final inspection by the CCB before the facility may open to customers. The board invited the applicants to the lounge’s grand opening once those conditions are met.