Los Angeles, CA — As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, California is leading the way with innovative concepts that blend culture, cannabis, and community. One such innovation is the cannabis consumption lounge—a unique venue where adults can legally enjoy cannabis in a social setting. To help demystify this concept, Kimberly Simms sat down with two of the leading women in the industry, Courtney Caron and Lauren Fontein, co-owners of The Artistry, a groundbreaking cannabis retail and lounge brand. In this interview, the pair delves into the creation of their consumption lounges, the regulatory hurdles they’ve faced, and the unique space they’ve carved out for art, cannabis, and community.
What is a Cannabis Consumption Lounge?
Consumption lounges are physical spaces where customers can consume cannabis legally—offering an alternative to traditional consumption methods like smoking in private homes or public areas. In California, where cannabis has been legalized for adult use, cities like West Hollywood have pioneered the concept by granting licenses for consumption lounges. However, despite their potential, these spaces face a complicated legal framework that often impacts their operations.
“The difference between a traditional retail store and a consumption lounge is that in a retail dispensary, you can buy cannabis products, but you cannot consume them on-site,” explains Lauren Fontaine, who serves as the Chief Compliance Officer for The Artistry. “In a consumption lounge, we are able to provide a designated area for people to consume cannabis on-site, which opens up exciting possibilities for integrating cannabis with live entertainment, dining, and art—all in one place.”
The Artistry’s consumption lounges are designed to be more than just a place to consume cannabis; they’re artistic hubs that feature local artists’ work, as well as live performances, comedy nights, drag shows, and more. The result is a social space that fosters creativity and community, something the founders felt was missing from the cannabis landscape.
The Genesis of The Artistry
Both Fontain and Caron bring unique expertise to the table—Fontaine with her extensive legal background in cannabis compliance, and Caron with her focus on cannabis law through her firm, Adamant Law Group. Their paths crossed during the early stages of West Hollywood’s licensing process, and they quickly bonded over a shared vision for creating a consumption lounge with a difference.
“We wanted to create a space where cannabis and art could coexist,” says Fontein. “Cannabis and creativity have always gone hand in hand, so it made sense to build a space where people could enjoy the art scene while also enjoying cannabis in a social setting.”
Caron, who joined The Artistry after working on the legal side of cannabis businesses for years, found herself drawn to the concept. “At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be an owner, but as I saw how the team was developing this creative and unique model, I knew I had to be a part of it,” she says. “It’s such a special concept, and I’m excited to help it grow.”
Today, The Artistry operates nine retail locations and two consumption lounges throughout California, with plans for expansion. The brand is especially focused on bringing cannabis culture to communities in ways that go beyond just retail sales.
The Evolution of Consumption Lounges: From Vision to Reality
As Fontein and Caron explain, the journey to creating a successful consumption lounge hasn’t been without challenges. Initially, the vision for these spaces included more traditional hospitality elements, like infused meals or beverages. However, due to California’s strict regulations, these concepts had to be scaled back.
“When we first envisioned the consumption lounge model, we imagined a space where customers could order infused meals or drinks just like you would at a restaurant,” explains Caron. “But the regulations surrounding cannabis consumption are much stricter than many people realized. All cannabis must be sold in pre-packaged, measured doses, and infusing food or drinks on-site is prohibited by state law.”
Fontaine elaborates, “It was an exciting time during the application process when the regulations were still being defined, but as the rules began to solidify, we had to adapt. The idea of infusing cannabis into food or beverages was a non-starter, as it wasn’t allowed. We had to adjust and figure out new ways to make the lounge concept viable under these restrictions.”
The legal framework also restricts cannabis lounges from selling non-cannabis items, such as food that isn’t infused with cannabis. For businesses that had hoped to operate like a full-service restaurant, this regulation posed a major challenge. The Artistry, however, navigated these challenges by focusing on its core concept—art, cannabis, and community.
“There are workarounds, like operating a separate business for non-cannabis food or beverages,” says Caron. “But the key to success is understanding the legal landscape and adapting your business model accordingly. It wasn’t as easy as just opening a lounge with cannabis-infused food. It required a lot of legal maneuvering and patience.”
The Future of Consumption Lounges
While consumption lounges are still a relatively new concept, they are quickly becoming an integral part of the cannabis ecosystem. As more cities in California and beyond adopt policies that allow these spaces, the potential for cannabis to be normalized in social settings continues to grow.
“There’s a future where people can go to a consumption lounge, enjoy art, see a live performance, and consume cannabis in a way that’s not only legal but also integrated into the culture of the venue,” Fontaine says. “It’s about providing a space where cannabis fits naturally into the social fabric.”
For The Artistry, the journey is just beginning. The team plans to continue expanding their presence in California and eventually bring their art-centric cannabis concept to other parts of the country.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming space for everyone, whether they’re long-time cannabis users or just curious about trying it in a more social setting,” Caron says. “By combining cannabis with art and community, we hope to normalize the experience and create a more inclusive cannabis culture for all.”
As more states explore cannabis legalization and consumption lounges, The Artistry offers a glimpse into a future where cannabis isn’t just a product—it’s part of a larger cultural experience.
