As more states begin to satisfy the modern-day demand for legalized cannabis, travel options for marijuana connoisseurs blossom.
Perhaps being one of the best places to enjoy legalized cannabis; Las Vegas has award-winning dispensaries, 420-themed tours, and cannabis-inspired hotels.
Legalized cannabis may not be the only thing attracting you to the Nevadan desert (Vegas), but if you’re a marijuana connoisseur, know that your experience will be unlike that of any other destination.
Vegas is known for five-star hotels, round-the-clock gambling, and a never-ending nightlife, although, in recent years, LV has garnered a new reputation; numerous dispensaries, often extravagant and pricey, litter the city to accommodate the high-demand of cannabis to the millions of annual tourists.
I’ve traveled to Vegas six times in the past two years, to enjoy my fair share of gambling but to also enjoy the plethora of cannabis dispensaries, some of which having proprietary, in-house strains that can’t be found anywhere else.
Today, I’ll be sharing my experiences, which you’ll want to read if a trip to Vegas is on your horizon.
While I’ve visited around ten Vegas dispensaries, this is a top-three conclusion on what I believe to be the best cannabis stores in the city.
But first, I’d like to share some insider tips everyone should know before planning a Vegas-cannabis retreat.
Recreational Vs. Medical Marijuana
Non-Nevada medical cards are accepted at Las Vegas dispensaries.
As a medical cardholder, you’ll enjoy speedier service and discounted pricing, all you need is your medical card or paperwork. Some dispensaries are recreational-only centers, which apply to the ones reviewed in this guide. One thing I quickly learned about Vegas dispensaries is that most have out-of-date menus on their site. As such, it’s best to call the dispensary to inquire on strain or product availability prior to the venture.
You can have your cannabis delivered, but be cautious
Most dispensaries offer complimentary delivery, usually with an order-minimum policy of $50-$75. It’s no surprise that without federal legalization, which makes banking services difficult to acquire by dispensaries, this is typically a cash-only service, although, a select few cannabis centers do accept certain cards and all have on-site ATMs.
When having your cannabis delivered, be sure you have the exact amount of change needed for the purchase. Also, keep in mind that cannabis delivery to your hotel room isn’t permitted within the city. In fact, delivery to any hotel or casino property isn’t allowed. Smoking within your room or anywhere in public isn’t allowed either, although, this is a rule most turn a blind eye to.
Find ways to Save
As a first-time visitor to a dispensary, you will have access to endless promotional offers, discounts, and purchase awards. Most dispensaries offer freebies and attractive loyalty programs to new customers. If this is your first time to a dispensary, ask a budtender about the available promotions. This is also a good opportunity to learn about various strains if you’re unsure which is best for your needs.
Keep in mind, the closer to the strip you are, the higher-priced dispensaries become (as with everything else). There’s also a 10% sales tax that some dispensaries don’t include on sticker prices, just something to remember while shopping.
Planet 13 Las Vegas
For an experience unlike any other, Planet13 Las Vegas will be a dispensary visit you soon won’t forget. It’s a cannabis fan-favorite dispensary, many describe it as a cross between a dispensary and a nightclub (and that’s a spot-on description). Planet13’s long-term goals are ambitious and will require legislative reform to achieve.
But in the meantime, the WalMart of all cannabis storefronts is 16,500 square feet and has an out-of-this-world vibe.
LED flooring, 3D wall-projected art, and a storefront globe similar to the one found at Universal Studios brings upon the movie-set atmosphere.
Planet13 is a dispensary founded to entertain just as much as it sells cannabis; one of the reasons free transportation from select locations if offered to customers.
If that’s not enough, Planet13 is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Exclusive product and text-reward programs mean you’ll get the best deals at all times.
Plus, locals receive 20% off all purchases and special night-only offers are available from midnight to 8AM.
Reef Dispensaries
Reef Dispensaries is well-rooted in cannabis culture with locations spanning from Arizona to Las Vegas.
Their flagship dispensary is located in Vegas, next door to Planet13 (how coincidental?). Summing up the Reef Dispensary atmosphere, I’d say it’s a cross between a tech store and Ultralounge. In fact, you’ll notice that most dispensaries strive for this ambiance.
Reef is both a manufacturer (grower) and a seller of cannabis. They also grow exclusive, in-house strains that won’t be found elsewhere. These strains include Khalifa Kush and Tryke. Some don’t know this, but an interesting fact I learned when visiting Reef is that it was founded by Berner, a budding entrepreneur, and rapper.
The+Source
This is by far one of my favorite dispensaries in Vegas. A highly-knowledgeable staff coupled with very friendly budtenders makes for a truly pleasurable cannabis-exploration experience.
With two dispensaries in Vegas, The+Source offers over thirty different cannabis strains, in addition to edibles, concentrates, extracts, and much more.
The experienced staff members are some of the best the industry has seen. This dispensary hosts cannabis-education seminars and offers customer reward programs with benefits not found at all dispensaries.
Their in-house strains are some of the finest you’ll get your hands on. For example, during my last trip to The+Source, I picked up a quarter of White Walker OG (which was available on a 20% discount). This was a Cannabis Cup-winning strain grown in commemoration for the Game of Thrones season finale.
For spring break vacation planners looking for something unique, on 4/20 The+Source releases an exclusive product; the Happy Camper. This is a solventless strain of rosin and is available as a pen, coin, or cartridge (I missed 4/20 there last year but will be there next time around).
