Las Vegas has long been synonymous with entertainment, hospitality, and world-class nightlife—but in recent years, cannabis tourism has added a new layer to the city’s economic engine. Since Nevada legalized adult-use cannabis in 2017, Las Vegas has emerged as one of the most visited cannabis markets in the country. Today, the city’s dispensaries, lounges, and tourism-driven cannabis experiences are fueling spending in ways that extend far beyond product sales. Together, they’re shaping a new era of travel that blends wellness, recreation, and elevated hospitality—all while giving the local economy a noticeable lift.
One of the biggest contributors to this growth is retail tourism. Many visitors arrive curious to explore brands, strains, and experiences that differ from their home states. Planet 13, NuWu, and Cookies have become destinations in their own right, drawing thousands of visitors per day. These mega-dispensaries offer more than just flower and edibles—they showcase immersive stores, on-site attractions, and lounge environments that encourage longer visits and higher spending. Every tourist who walks through the doors contributes to local tax revenue, job creation, and ancillary business growth.
Cannabis lounges are another powerful economic driver. With the introduction of consumption-friendly venues across Las Vegas, tourists now have designated spaces to enjoy products legally and comfortably. Lounges like Dazed, Smoke and Mirrors, and the famous Sky High at NuWu keep guests engaged for hours, often combining entertainment, food, and cannabis into a single attraction. This adds new revenue streams for operators while generating additional taxes for the state and city. It also boosts employment for hospitality workers, security teams, event organizers, and budtenders who support these environments.
Beyond dispensaries and lounges, cannabis tourism strengthens several related industries—most notably travel, hospitality, and transportation. Visitors who come to Las Vegas specifically for cannabis tend to stay longer and spend more overall. They book hotel rooms, ride-shares, tours, and private transportation to dispensaries or lounges. Tour operators offering cannabis-themed excursions—from cultivation facility tours to infused dining experiences—give tourists new reasons to explore neighborhoods beyond the Strip, bringing economic benefits to local communities as well.
The culinary scene is also feeling the impact. While infused restaurants remain tightly regulated, the growing interest in cannabis culture has inspired chefs and mixologists to craft creative, cannabis-adjacent experiences. Mocktail bars, wellness cafés, and experiential pop-ups contribute a fresh layer of dining innovation, drawing adventurous visitors seeking something new. This creative momentum helps diversify Las Vegas beyond gaming and nightlife, strengthening its brand as a forward-thinking entertainment destination.
Perhaps the most underappreciated economic boost comes from marketing and branded partnerships. Cannabis companies invest heavily in sponsorships, billboards, digital advertising, and events during major Las Vegas conventions such as MJBizCon, CHAMPS, and tourism expos. These events bring tens of thousands of industry professionals to the city each year, filling hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues while injecting millions into the local economy.
As consumer curiosity grows and additional lounges open, cannabis tourism is positioned to become one of Las Vegas’ strongest supplemental economic pillars. For a city built on reinvention, cannabis offers both stability and expansion—inviting a new generation of travelers to discover Las Vegas in a different, elevated way.