Bill C.
Yelp
Nevada did a great job getting its cannabis program going, making sure every bit of weed sold to the public is safe and tested for harmful impurities. But there was one glaring omission - where do our 42 million visitors go to enjoy it? They're free to purchase cannabis (and pay a tax to support the state) but they can't consume it anywhere? Seems like we didn't quite think that through. Luckily NuWu Dispensary and Tasting Room is located on a small piece of Paiute tribal land and thus able to avoid some state regulations. That loophole paved the way for a cannabis consumption lounge inside their dispensary, currently the only legal place in Nevada other than a private residence - it's against state law to enjoy weed inside hotel rooms, vehicles, or even the great outdoors.
The Vegas Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Sunday for the time being, 1:30-10 p.m., a perfect hangout for those who don't want to break laws or get evicted by their hotel. You'll pay a bit for the convenience, but you won't be looking over your shoulder. A walk-up w/o reservations will cost $50 for up to 90 minutes and with it comes a pre-roll, an infused cocktail, a menu of other products to try, and a relaxing venue with comfortable seating in which to consume. An additional gram of flower (enough for a healthy sized joint) costs $20 in the lounge and every strain they offer tests at over 20% THC. Bongs and pipes are sanitized after each use. If you can befriend a local resident, bring him or her with you, and the $50 entry fee is waived so you simply pay for what's on the menu.
The casino industry has long opposed cannabis but eventually these lounges will proliferate, just like bars do. Progress cannot be stopped but as of 2022, if you're from out of town, The Tasting Room is the only place in Las Vegas for a visitor to consume legally. Look at it this way - the $50 entry fee is far more enjoyable than your $50 hotel resort fee...at least you'll be putting this one to use!
I do feel obligated to point out a misleading claim on their website that visitors to our city might consider disregarding. It is NOT a mere 'two blocks from downtown Fremont Street' to NuWu, as they say. They make it sound close, but it's actually 1.2 miles away (a good 25-30 minute walk) and it's right next to the state's largest concentration of homeless people. So be advised, especially at night, and maybe think about a $10-12 rideshare instead.
Overall though, props to NuWu for being an industry leader and providing a safe haven for our guests to consume cannabis. On your way out of The Tasting Room, you may as well stock up with the large selection of goods that the dispensary offers.