Sponsor details draft to allow cannabis consumption lounges; committee tables proposal

Representative David Boyer presented a drafted amendment to LD 13 65 proposing that licensed cannabis stores may apply for a cannabis consumption lounge endorsement, with municipal opt-in authority, endorsement fees and operating, safety and training requirements.

Analyst Rachel Olsen said the draft authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinance provisions that could allow or prohibit smoking within a lounge, and sets an effective date of Jan. 1, 2028 for the program. The amendment draws from liquor Safe Serve requirements: it calls for a cannabis server education course, a Cannabis Safe Serve Education Advisory Committee, and criminal-liability protections modeled on the liquor-liability act. It also requires physical separation and conspicuous delineation between the retail store and any consumption lounge, and details ventilation and monitoring standards for any smoking area.

Representative Boyer framed the proposal as completing elements of the 2016 voter initiative and providing spaces for visitors and residents who cannot consume at home: "People are tired of smelling weed in our parks and parking lots. We've got to give them a place to use it," he said.

Members discussed municipal implementation, age restrictions (no one under 21 may be in a lounge area), and cross-cutting issues such as hospitality and tourism. After discussion, Representative Boyer moved to table LD 13 65 to allow the sponsor and staff to gather additional stakeholder input. The committee voted to table the bill; the chair closed the work session on LD 13 65.