More cannabis lounges continue to pop up across the US, and Maryland is joining the list
Cannabis lounges are designed for those who need or want to enjoy marijuana and do not have a comfortable place to do so. Some establishments are geared toward the recreational market, with themes ranging from hippy, artsy and spiritual to high-end lounges. Others are specifically designed for medicinal users, and often have someone on hand to offer advice. Maryland is one of the latest states to join the trend, offering a space for all of these types of consumers.
Ceylon House launched operations in Burtonsville over the weekend. With an entrance fee of $25, interested parties can take a two-hour tour of the lounge, which is intended to offer a service similar to a bar. People have the opportunity to smoke or consume marijuana inside while talking about their experiences and sharing a bit of their common culture.
Cluttered with light chairs, sofas, and even a bamboo chair swing, visitors can drag out tables containing ashtrays and wheelie trays from the Ceylon House brand. The area is also adorned with a bird mural covering one wall and large bamboo ornaments.
The owners of the Herbiculture dispensary, Venushki “Venus” Hemachandra and her husband, Shreemal Perera, wanted to expand their business through this new salon. They say their main goal was to create a pleasant and safe environment for those looking to smoke now that the Old Line State has also expanded into the recreational cannabis market.
“We really wanted to create this space so that folks can meet other people,” Hemachandra said. “Sometimes we hear that someone’s significant other doesn’t like them smoking or that they just don’t have a lot of friends who smoke, and we hope this can help people build a community around cannabis.”