A new lounge has residents in Burtonsville, Maryland talking.
Ceylon House is a cannabis lounge. Never heard of anything like this? Well, this cannabis lounge in Montgomery County is the first in the state of Maryland.
Essentially, it is a bar-type hangout but instead of alcohol, cigars, or hookah, patrons will be smoking marijuana. For the next few months, only medical marijuana users can come in. Recreational marijuana becomes legal in July, which includes smoking, possessing, and growing cannabis for adults 21 and older.
SEE ALSO | Medical pot cardholders smoke to help Montgomery Co. police better understand impairment
Opponents of the concept say it’s a bit too close for comfort. It sits just over a mile from two separate schools and is already next to a cannabis dispensary.
Venus Hemachandra, who owns both businesses says her new hot spot will be a safe space to meet some new people and learn about some new products.
Here’s what locals are saying.
Burtonsville resident Russell Fleming says, “I think it’s pretty cool if people want to smoke in public and it’s a safe area, I think it’s nice if they want to enjoy that.”
“We have bars, why not have a cannabis lounge as well,” added resident, Amanda Bechtel.
But some like Bruce Yera, do not agree.
“For my belief, I don’t think that it’s a good idea. Because the state needs to be safe and drug use is not a good thing for me,” Yera said.
For now, it will BYOC.
SEE ALSO | 4 people arrested in Charles County after $4k worth of ecstasy found in car, officials say
Unlike a cigar bar, visitors can’t purchase the product they smoke inside. But the dispensary right next door, which is owned by the same person will be open most days. Those who want to hang out at the lounge will be carded. A doctor sign-off and proof that they are registered with the state.
After July, all you will need is an ID showing you are 21 or older.
Due to county health rules, the lounge is not allowed to sell food or drinks, but Hemachandra can have food trucks in the parking lot on the weekends for those patrons who have the munchies. There are some rules and regulations, the business was required to install a special HVAC system and buy hefty insurance premiums.
Customers must sign a waiver and have to stop consuming it 30 to 60 minutes before they leave.
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