Smoking Cannabis is oftentimes a social act, and modern Cannabis laws have made it antisocial – driving consumers home and into isolation. But with the continued emergence of Cannabis consumption lounges and other spaces that provide a group setting to enjoy the plant, we’re finding increasingly creative ways to come together from coast to coast. As Los Angeles and New York lead the charge for the opening of these spaces for us to gather around the ganja, the Leaf highly recommends breathing the fresh air of Cannabis freedom that these establishments have to offer.
West Coast
Reviews by Mike Ricker (@rickerdj)
Pleasure Med
This is one of two with a kitchen and the food is the best in the biz. Developing a menu through a Michelin star chef who imparted his farm-to-table approach affords you seasonal tastes with the freshest ingredients. The atmosphere is light and airy in a bougie setting with first rate service, also featuring a quality selection of weed to consume upstairs in the restaurant assisted by the Cannabis flight attendants, or to purchase from the retail dispensary (as well as unusual, tasty cocktails in the foyer). You get exclusivity without the stuffiness – Gatsby vibes that are inclusive and open to everyone. It’s experience first here … and then the experience enhances the high.
pleasuremed.com | @pleasuremedla
The Woods
Founded by actor/advocate Woody Harrelson and OG partner Devon Wheeler, the model is a nouveau Amsterdam highlighted by a Holywater Conscious Cocktail Bar with a boutique Cannabis shop affixed to pick your elixir. Priding themselves as the only official outdoor consumption lounge, here you’re enveloped by nature with a Balinese sanctuary feel. The Woods is the most intimate and personal of the four, miraculously hiding you from the madness of Santa Monica Boulevard outside – a vacation within your vacation. Free-standing bungalows allow a languid hang while the smoke trails out the window and over the koi pond. This is exactly how Woody wanted it – a place where his personal values are elegantly reflected – where a sungrown, earth-driven, water-purified plant can be enjoyed and honored in a social, yet meditative setting.
thewoodsweho.com | @thewoodsweho
OG Cannabis Cafe
This is where you come to let loose. It’s a multi-faceted operation that’s great for lunch on the ambient patio, or perfect for date night. With entertaining themed evenings, you can catch comedy, karaoke, or maybe an appearance by Cheech or a DJ set by B-Real. Officially the first to open before the pandemic, they’ve managed to combine everything a stoner may want, need and desire into one heck of a soiree. But like the others, there’s no skimping on atmosphere with good food (menu created by Chef to the Stars, Johah Johnson), great cocktails and high LA energy.
cannabis.cafe | @ogcannabiscafe
The Artist Tree
The name sets the tone: A two-story convergence of creativity fueled by the commingling of art and cannabinoids. You’ll enjoy a seasonal handcrafted Cannabis cocktail on the veranda with the city’s bustling buzz affording a backdrop that coalesces with the sweet sounds of music emitting from the walls. This art gallery marries colorful ideas of local artists while the Cannabis unlocks the boundaries of your perception with a context that feels idyllic, yet comfortably confined. There are multiple The Artist Tree retail spaces spread throughout Los Angeles and beyond, but none with the aroma and flair of this rare combination.
theartisttree.com | @theartisttree
East Coast
Reviews by ADHDDEAD (@adhddead)
The Astor Club
Hidden in a nondescript building downtown, The Astor Club is a nexus for the local and global Cannabis community. You never know who you’ll run into when you pull up. Between local connoisseurs you’re likely to find popular rappers, influencers, artists and industry players smoking on the highest of high-grade Cannabis while taking a respite from the bustling city outside.
Work ‘N’ Roll
This Manhattan event and co-working space is similar to a WeWork during the day (smoking allowed), before hosting Cannabis events in the evening. Acting as an incubator for the local community, Work ‘n’ Roll hosts events from international brands like The Masters of Rosin to local industry coffee nights, or events raising funds for women in Cannabis. For those who start early, this versatile space is one of the earliest opening spots to sesh in the city.
worknroll.nyc | @worknroll.nyc
THC NYC
With five sprawling floors dedicated to the art, science and culture of our favorite plant, THC NYC or as many locals call it the “THC Museum,” is a great place to sesh and score a selfie in SoHo. With interactive exhibits during the day and a rotation of curated Cannabis culture events during the evening, there’s always something interesting available to enhance your seshing experience. This spot can feel like a playground for stoners on the exhibit floors, while providing an upscale lounge experience on their massive top floor.
Polanco Brothers
One of the most beautiful and unique spots to smoke in NYC, this former cigar store and lounge has turned over a new leaf so to speak, with an upscale, impeccably designed dispensary and event/sesh space located in Midtown. High-end design details and materials make the space feel luxurious and exclusive as you are guided through to the speakeasy style event space and cigar vault. Polanco Brothers allows you to access and enjoy a piece of New York history in a way that very few ever get to experience.
