Lexi, claiming the title of Las Vegas’ first cannabis-friendly hotel, is all set for its grand opening on Friday, June 2. However, its legality hangs in the balance.
A Vision of Cannabis-Inclusive Hospitality
An artistic representation of Lexi, previously known as Artisan, was procured by Elevations Hotels and Resorts, a Phoenix-based company, for a cool $11.9 million in March 2022. Located not far from the lively Las Vegas Strip, this 64-room hotel makes a daring promise to not only allow but also foster cannabis smoking in 22 of its top-floor rooms. These rooms have modern air filters specially installed to accommodate this purpose.
As outlined in Lexi’s FAQ page, only guests occupying these specific rooms are permitted to indulge in cannabis consumption within the hotel premises. Additionally, every guest must provide a legitimate ID verifying they are at least 21 years old. Finally, the hotel is clear about not selling cannabis on its grounds; it also strictly forbids the delivery of cannabis to the property and smoking in shared spaces.
Per the FAQ, Lexi’s operations claim they are entirely in sync with local and state regulations. The real challenge is whether these laws regard a hotel room as private or public property. According to Nevada’s law, marijuana is only permissible inside private residences or businesses with a specific cannabis consumption lounge license. This law was approved by Nevada voters in November 2016.
Testing the Boundaries of Legalization
Vegas Tasting Room at NuWu Cannabis Marketplace is the only such lounge currently operational, as it operates on tribal territory, thereby sidestepping specific regulations. The Lexi, however, cannot qualify to open a cannabis lounge due to its proximity to a casino. The hotel had to abandon plans for a ground-floor lounge after learning that Nevada law forbids cannabis lounges within 1,500 feet of a casino, and Palace Station is well within this limit.
The owners of the Lexi didn’t pursue a lounge license, according to the city of Las Vegas. Instead, elevations invested over $15 million to buy and refurbish the 1.3-acre property located at 1501 W. Sahara Ave. This property was previously acquired by the Siegel Group in 2010 following a foreclosure.
Public or Private – The Hotel Room Dilemma
Amanda Connor, a lawyer specializing in cannabis law at the Nevada-based Connor & Connor firm, suggests that most people view hotel rooms as public spaces available for rent to the general public. So, it remains to be seen whether the Lexi, its guests, or both parties would be held responsible if it’s deemed that the hotel is breaching laws.
