By Dani Baranowski

I know what you’re thinking — Las Vegas, the city of Sin — the Devil’s playground, a place where adults 21 and over can indulge in any vice, wherever they want. Open alcohol containers, cigarettes indoors, topless pool clubs… BUT publicly consuming the cannabis you purchased legally? ILLEGAL…ish.

Las Vegas could be called the land of loopholes, and this article may inspire you and your lover, your friend, your other lovers, or your friend’s lovers to find a host of activities to be enjoyed while imbibing on the Devil’s lettuce. Arguably, many (if not all) activities can be enhanced or enjoyed while consuming cannabis, this is your starter pack for a delightful night out with your bud(s).

A quick breakdown of the law: In 2001, Nevada became the eighth state to legalize medicinal cannabis, and in 2017, the state legalized adult-use or “recreational” cannabis. According to the law, you may only consume it in your home or on tribal sovereign land at NuWu Cannabis Marketplace, one mile from Fremont Street. Cannabis lounges with various entertainment concepts and opportunities are planned to open in 2024, but until then, here’s my list of ideas for an excellent night out in 3 steps:

Disclaimer: consuming in ANY public space or your car is illegal. If you plan to have an enjoyable night out with “jazz cabbage,” please only do so legally and safely.

Step 1: Legally Procure Yourself Some Good-good.

• Adults 21 and over can freely enter any of the dispensaries throughout Las Vegas and choose from a wide variety of products. Cannastarz on LV Blvd is an LGBTQ+ owned and operated spot.
• Feeling like you don’t want to get out of the car? Order curbside from your local shop — bring cash and an ID and park out front. Jardín Dispensary has the quickest and friendliest curbside and carries products for all demographics.
• Too busy to make any stops? Many dispensaries offer delivery services for free or with a minimum purchase. This is only available to private residences, not casinos, hotels, Airbnbs, etc.

Step 2: Consume Responsibly, Whichever Way you Prefer.

No longer are we limited to the grass our parents had access to that came in a ziplock baggie from the guy down the street — now, we’ve got options:

• Smoke it: the traditional way to enjoy. Flower comes packaged in jars or mylar bags, each strain has its own terpenes that provide different effects and flavors. Ask your budtender for a tried-and-true opinion. Grind it up, roll it up, pack it up, light it up, go up!
• Vape it: an easy and convenient way to consume discreetly. Vaping preserves the essence of the flower without requiring combustion (fire). Buy a cartridge to screw onto a battery or use an all-in-one disposable.
• Dab it: for advanced connoisseurs, concentrates and extracts are heated to the vaporization point. This provides an intense and flavorful experience. Keep your arms, legs, and feet inside the vehicle; you might go to space.
• Drink it: familiar and fast-acting, cannabis beverages are an alternative to drinking alcohol and arguably one of the most healthy consumption methods.
• Cocktails, spirits, teas, and elixirs are all libations available to delight your palate and familiar enough that your grandma will want a sip.
• Eat it: from brownies to chips to dried fruit, an expansive array of options exist. Ingesting cannabis affects everyone differently; as they say, “You can always take more, but you can’t take less.”
• Apply it: balms, salves, lotions, and patches can be applied directly to your skin to feel localized relief, while patches release cannabinoids into the bloodstream. For aches, pains, and gains, this is a game-changer.
• Lube with it: infuse your intimate moments with cannabis. Your pleasure center can be enhanced as cannabinoids can heighten sensations, increase blood flow, and relax all of your parts. Cannabis lube can be deeply effective for chronic pain or those who find it hard to relax during intimate moments. It is important to note that oil-based lubes are not safe to use with condoms.
• Pop it: capsules and pills can be predosed with cannabis for those who are looking for a controlled and predictable experience. It’s familiar. It’s friendly. It’s not big pharma — it’s big FARM-ahhhh.
• Bathe in it: infused bath bombs, salts, and oils offer a sensual and relaxing opportunity as cannabinoids are absorbed through your skin while you soak.

Step 3: Enjoy the City of LIT.

Here’s a list of my favorite things to do in Vegas, all while vibing and imbibing!

• Area 15: this place has something to offer everyone if you prefer a group outing. I feel confident it’s the unspoken rule that you are supposed to enjoy Omega Mart with substances (I couldn’t find it on their website; I looked near the Burning Man art installation).
• Sphere: Inside and out, this is truly a trip, so pack accordingly. Your mind will be blown, your eyes will be…squinting, probably, and if you get the munchies…snacks cost nearly the same as the entrance fee, bring 1-2 partners, and/or budget wisely.
• NuWu Cannabis Marketplace: consume freely and get the giggles at the Sky High Lounge, where you can enjoy table service with bottle service-type packages (except its bongs and joints) or wander the giant courtyard with a stage hosting events from comedy to karaoke. Perfect for a first date unless you are bad at singing or have a weird laugh.
• First Friday, Arts District: a hub for the arts, galleries, and creativity. Support our city’s vibrant art scene — cannabis and art together like “weed in a bong!” (or however that saying goes). Stop in at The Garden, described on their site as “the hottest gayest bar in Las Vegas.”
• Red Rocks, Mount Charleston: take a walk, take a deep breath, take some pictures, take a picnic, and take some time to enjoy Mother Herb, I mean Mother Earth.
• Sports event: Vegas has nearly every sport imaginable. I’m not someone who wants to watch any of them, but if I must, a few cannabis cocktails will make the night a slam dunk/touchdown (or whatever)!
• Neon museum/helicopter tour: fly high and enjoy bright lights that are iconic and nostalgic. Tours of any kind are highly interesting when paired with cannabis.
• EAT and indulge: Las Vegas has over 4,200 restaurants, so when the munchies hit, you can take an epicurean tour of nearly anything you desire.

Finally, end your night at two cannabis-friendly spots:

• The Lexi, formerly known as “The Artisan,” is Nevada’s only cannabis-friendly hotel. Any hotel guests may consume in their respective hotel rooms, and you may pass someone in the hall willing to pass the dutchie.
• Your house: self-care hits differently when you find your vibe and imbibe in the confines of wherever you call home. Sleep well, calm any anxiety, and rest easy knowing you’re in the great state of Nevada, where you can mix and match your cannabis and end up in any “state” and any activity, any time.

About the Author:

Dani Baranowski is a multipotentialite, full of zest and energy and hell-bent on blazing an impactful trail in the cannabis industry. After being charged with two felonies for cannabis possession at age 18, she received a plea deal that changed her life and fuels her advocacy. Dani joined the Nevada cannabis industry six years ago and has had the opportunity to build markets, launch products, travel, and educate consumers internationally on the benefits of the plant. In 2020, Dani co-founded the Chamber of Cannabis, Nevada’s largest cannabis business trade org, which championed consumption lounge legalization, cannabis DUI reform, improving access for ex-offenders to employment, and increasing the daily purchase and possession limit. In 2023, Dani co-founded “the grow up co-op,” a sales and marketing collective of intentional brands, positioning them to win in dispensaries and consumption lounges. If any brands are ready to grow, let her know! https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-baranowski

This article was originally published in the fourth issue of PROUD & Kinky Magazine. You may read it in its original format here.

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