Inside Las Vegas' First Cannabis-Friendly Hotel | Forbes

Located just off the Strip, The Lexi was once the Artisan Hotel, which became notorious among locals as a late-night hang out that hosted sex parties. But now the 64-room, adults-only Lexi has officially become Sin City’s first weed-friendly hotel.
“It's cannabis-inclusive, not cannabis-centric,” says Alexandre Rizk, the 44-year-old real estate entrepreneur who bought The Artisan for $12 million with a small group of investors in January 2022. The distinction is important for Rizk. The new boutique hotel will not sell cannabis, nor will non-consuming guests be bombarded with pot smoke.
The Lexi opened in early June after Rizk spent around $3 million on renovations, which includes a high-end air filtration system on the fourth floor-where all suites are cheekily numbered 420a, 420b, 420c-to accommodate the marijuana-friendly rooms. Only paying guests- a suite costs between $180 to $400 depending on the night-with rooms on that floor can consume cannabis. No smoking is allowed in public areas, including the bikini tops-optional swimming pool.
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[@BiziBoy91Officiel]

Salute to the CEO of this hôtel. He live With his Time.

[@Egraber]

It’s a great concept for those that want to smoke and curb the anxiety of possibly getting caught. However, you realistically can smoke just about anywhere and nobody will care as long as you mind your own busy and keep your distance from others. Also just a park up on a balcony of a hotel, parking garage/lot, etc.

[@fsx-777-pilot8]

You’d prefer to smoke in a cold parking lot? I think Id prefer to sit in bed and have a couple spliffs before I got to sleep 😂

[@backs8189]

@@fsx-777-pilot8 get a balcony for your hotel room, or smoke in the restroom with a wet big thick towel covering under the bathroom door, then get some incents and Lysol and jus go crazy wit em everytime after u hotbox it. have enough money jus incase they somehow do charge u the smokers fee, but most the time, they dont charge for weed smell for some reason workers dont care enough to report it. (atleast in vegas)

[@bizzz.R]

Cosmopolitan should run a dispensary at this point 😂

[@traveljunkie59]

I understand how crazy and maybe unnecessary this sounds to locals but, for tourists, this is a great option.

[@KytoNagasaki]

As a Vegas Local I can assure you that people consume Cannabis in public all the time do not fall for this if you really want to get high in the city just smoke in the car if allowed by owner of car, or a parking lot people do it all the time here

[@enidmercedad]

Right. Who the f doesn't smoke on the streets? Freemont the strip or actual hotel rooms... I've never had an extra charge for weed smell. Ever.

[@getbandsgetback]

same thing here in cali. we smoke in the hotel anyways😂😂😂

[@farristravels6965]

But its still cool to have the option to because vegas heat aint messing around even with the ac on

[@hrvstmusic]

As not a Vegas local, agreed. Just hit the block. 😂

[@skaarfvagly3959]

@@enidmercedad I smoked in a smoking room once, and a few minutes later hotel security did a "Room check" and went into every room on the floor, they told me I couldn't smoke weed there but never charged me

[@fernandocampos3220]

Definitely a genuine hotel CEO keeping it real with his hotel friendly cannabis policy the other properties sound awesome too.

[@warwarneverchanges4937]

The whole Vegas trip just got better

[@nickdebone6744]

I’ve literally walked out of the front door Caesar’s palace and stood on the side walk with my friends as we smoked about 4-5 joints and blunts on the spot while we waited for our Uber to the airport. Cop walked right by didn’t say a word.

[@thelandoftwitchclips]

they aint got time for all that

[@hi_pinky20]

party city 🎉😂

[@Omar-hn6kj]

Entire west coast has been like that for decades now I used to go to hempfest and smoke joints in front of cops when I was 13 and that was 15 years ago

[@elevatedemotions4548]

Keywords:"on our way to airport "

[@ii2cky]

It’s always been “friendly” in the bathroom with the provided towels 😂

[@mariQ09]

Revolutionary. A Ganja bar/Dispensary for guests would make this an awesome hotel

[@Tonybologne805]

Love all the local comments on how you can smoke and it’s chill. I don’t drink but do dabble w/ the murderjuana

[@wanderingknight10]

Every hotel in Vegas is cannabis friendly it’s called the smoking section..on the strip people are literally smoking weed with a drink in the open..carefree

[@antoinelove1329]

you sure? the hotels don't cause a fuss??

[@superdipper23]

@@antoinelove1329no literally

[@Deion140]

We smoke in hotels and the streets in Texas(Personally anywhere I go), but its nice to know you don't have any Risk in his hotel, so its a cool concept but probably expensive

[@alfonsomartirez]

Look how far we’ve come

[@mateosmithy5668]

Lmao! 😂 Right?

[@mateosmithy5668]

I smoke on occasion and the last thing I want to smell everywhere I go is weed-smoke. I guess Snoop and friends now have a place to stay in Vegas!

[@chrisjin8794]

Yeah, way too much.

[@Ghost-kl7bu]

​@@mateosmithy5668yeaaaah you're lame 😂

[@mechellechojecki1016]

Every hotel I’ve ever stayed in was flower friendly.

[@BobbysWhip]

yea they literally crack the window for you

[@ThrashinHD]

Where do you recommend not trying to pay that fee lol

[@skaarfvagly3959]

omg its finally open??? iv been waiting for it to open, time to go to vegas!!!

[@Mygreyhoundchannel]

Atlantic City will have plenty of dispensaries and indoor places to smoke cannabis. There’s already about three dispensaries in Atlantic City with two already opened and plenty more on the way including the former Claridge Hotel Casino.

[@bacnorleans]

I would love it if they had a private lounge 😶‍🌫️

[@alexis_mari3]

I am SO excited to stay here someday! I love the name too!

[@anotherjewishsharpnicholas9425]

You could just use a vaporizer in a regular hotel.

[@svdagoat7972]

It may be appealing to the younger crowd but If I travel to Vegas I want to smoke on the balcony overlooking the strip ! I do the same thing in Miami it's very peaceful on the balcony you hear the sounds of the city you get the views while smoking a J. A lot of nice up scale hotels / condos that come with a balcony don't mind if you smoke outside plus I don't want to smell like a pound of weed every where I go.

[@michaelellringer5600]

Balconies are not that easy to come by in Sinless City. At the Signature Towers at MGM, no smoking on the balconies. I found that out one night giving a massage to someone in one of those towers.

[@bizzz.R]

bro redesigned a motel and said you can smoke on a floor lol

[@patmat.]

The canabis stench will follow you everywhere.

[@ecwwwrasslin7663]

This was really informative.

[@MikeWalshMN]

When I went to Treasure Island, we stayed on the smoking floor. They definitely don’t care if you got some loud

[@MrAirblown2009]

Smart companies will be successful, giving the people what they want

[@ERMMM420]

"no consumption lounges in the city" they didn't research then. nuwu currently allows on site consumption and offers a dab bar. more dispensaries are going to be opening consumption lounges now that a bill has gone through in nevada allowing it late 2022.

[@FloridaDave_]

and Planet 13 is starting one up this spring.....

[@angelariebli4843]

More of this. I bet ALL the floors go green in the first year. One floor won't be enough.

[@vaporwareproducts]

Dude is a genius…. True entrepreneur, best of luck guys…

[@Sonofawildanimal]

Home prices increased by 40% in less than 48 months. Why are we acting like that is normal?

[@royalty694]

There’s a consumption lounge at a dispensary 2 blocks off of Fremont st called nuwu so if u don’t wanna stay at the hotel u can go there and smoke if u are truly worried lol

[@Conde.666]

Nuwu is a wonder of it's own. The lounge is awesome! 🧠💚💙🩷🧠

[@sterlthepearl1000]

"It's not a war on drugs, it's a war on personal Freedom.'" Bill Hicks

[@rubengarcia957]

Las Vegas is chill ppl smoke on strip daily even hotel security just says not near entrance stand away and ya can

[@MarioBelanger-x7q]

That is respectful; and it's a very good idea my friend❤😊👌🏻

[@d.c.1059]

Simple, just don't smoke in the casino.

[@vegasconfessionspodcast8202]

FYI: You can consume at the courtyard and dab bar Nuwu legally and their upstairs lounge will be open very soon before the lounges and is on Indian land so they can make their own rules + It has a 24 hour drive thru with no taxes 🤦‍♂️

[@indionopalez3716]

I love Nuwu ...

[@DanielBangbang818]

Man I’ve seen a million people blowing a blunt on the strip 😂

[@jackfrost7182]

Definitely goin to this hotel whenever I go to Vegas again

[@lisasante254]

Ever crack your window on a breezy night??? Every hotel is cannabis friendly (like it or not) Everywhere! Don’t see people getting busted for weed these days. It’s enjoyed everywhere!

[@D_Webb]

You can’t smoke in those rooms there are fines. Balcony maybe.

[@lisasante254]

@@D_Webb idk, I smell it everywhere! Maybe it’s a skunk 🦨

[@Tre-vb6tt]

ON PAPER! Motel6 been rockin wit me for yeeaarrss

[@STTAWBae]

Definitely taking a trip great investment🔥💜

[@leotang2818]

It's a thing called OZIUM, lol look it up gets rid of all the smoke smell. I've definitely hot boxed hotel room bathrooms too, just ran a hot shower to steam up the bathroom afterwards.

[@kawehiclassof2011]

Yessss the old artisan

[@darthmaulemann92]

El Cortez let’s you smoke in your room lmao

[@BLVCKSEA]

Bro ive been smoking weed in my hotel rooms since forever. Dont matter what hotel..just grab a towel, cover the bottom, d/c the smoke alarm and turn on the shower. Easy.

[@JonDoe-wy1sr]

I smoked my weed in the signiture mgm grand on the balcony. 18 floors up. Was the best

[@liljohnnygogo]

I booked a room for EDC but looked at the reviews and well, I cancelled my reservation:/

[@joerodgers5147]

I literally smoke joints outside of every casino with zero issues

[@Bestdadmedia]

meanwhile in Nashville I've been fined $500 for smoking concentrates in a hotel room.

[@Conde.666]

Las Vegas remains standing as the greatest & the best city to ever exist 💚💙🩵🩷

[@herokillerstain4147]

No one has ever bothered me in any of the casinos while I smoke.

[@damiendelano6210]

Anyone clock the Laganja Estranga portrait in the hotel room? Her impact😂👏🏼👏🏼

[@internetperson8911]

Or just vape and dab in the hotel room. No lingering smells and no risks. Just don't exhale into the smoke detectors or sprinklers...

[@enidmercedad]

I've never not smoked weed in my room when I had friends in town

[@jiggyfun807]

What was the name of it again?

[@ericdye9797]

Lmao I vaped cannabis in every casino I've been to, Ballys, Golden Nugget, Caesars

[@DrummingKid101]

My man ! 420 every room lol. Gotta love it

[@mikemoralesco]

Real Gs smoke where they want.

[@johnromero7492]

The ceo guy reminds me of the Canadian guy from Sasquatchuan. "Hello ladieees"!! From roll models. I'll be there this 4/20 wooooo 2024

[@MediCali951]

Why smoke indoors when I can see the Vegas strip at night with a fat one lit

[@crankbaitp3014]

CEO looks like Jj from all American 🤣💪🏽

[@tyopsie]

as a Tourist of Vegas this is not very well thought out idea, and really doesn't mean much. 1. Everyone smokes Vape carts in Any hotel the choose they don't smell. (as a tourist your walking around a lot giving ample time to smoke out side any where as many people are smoking weed outside). 2. The cannabis market sucks bad out in Vegas, And there's no reason it should. Vegas wont really attract many that would value to accommodate the whole trip around. The Experience as a TOURIST having personally driving up to 15 miles away from strip looking at many clinics you can tell the state is heavily weighing down the market with regulation. The Dispensaries just suck booty, very low variety. yes you can get some decent flower (taxed worst then Cali),But the concentrates market is hardly there. The clinics in general have no good deals, and the experiences that I've had in Vegas the dispensary's are legit lame! just way better any where in SOCAL or NORCAL or OREGON. and I'm sure many other places. such as Arizona which is right next to SOCAL and so if Vegas. If you have been to a lot of dispensaries (and spent lots of money at them) you will Quickly see the issues with the Vegas Dispensers . I can only speak as a Tourist across 11 trips. But very involved in cannabis industry

[@UncIMO]

I can’t wait to go back to Vegas. I’ll be on 4 floor.

[@warwarneverchanges4937]

This Idea is fantastic for making profit early

[@PIPEStheVOICE]

Good for him!!!

[@caucasianafrican1435]

Cool. When can I move in.

[@firstname__lastname]

Lol. Ive smoked in literally every hotel I've ever been in and then some ... 😬😆😆

[@mikehennessy6766]

if its only the top floor in a property with 62 rooms thats only 15 rooms wich you can smoke . ive smoked in vegas hotel rooms. just open the window, put a towel under the door and turn on the bathroom fan.

[@lovethenorm1]

That's awesome. I'd be happy just to sit on a balcony and enjoy.

[@hoodzyy]

ive smoked in every hotel ive ever stayed at..

[@nickwarren8553]

Ye u can smoke in literally any hotel turn on shower cover door with towel at the bottom n blaze smell gone in a day

[@joelhoye5773]

He's right about one thing Vegas is not a free-for-all there are a lot of rules and a lot of regulations. You gotta pay to play.

[@robbieross6646]

Obviously someone hasn’t been to Vegas lately. Every hotel is a cannabis hotel.

[@younguofficial310]

Lynwood CA salute 😤

[@saltyaircrazyhair]

I'm ganna smoke somewhere regardless. 😆 But thank you. It's about damn time! I'm not a drinker at all!

[@UncIMO]

It’s gonna cost to be the BOSS. Them prices gonna be like paying $200 to the hotel. Lmao

[@enidmercedad]

You can't smoke flower on the floor. But everyone capes or goes to their room.

[@SHOTTYTV]

its the Artisan...

[@hrvstmusic]

Just smoke outside like a normal pothead

[@cjkush5384]

Why when you can roll off the hooker you just seeded and blaze a fatty unbothered and unworried about a fine.

[@kingsamoanOG]

Anyone who has been to Vegas since legalization will tell you everywhere you go you can smell weed being smoked😂

[@sssniperr]

Artisan used to be called

[@ToraAQW]

the way hes talkin ab smoking in casinos makes me feel lucky that i wasnt told off at all for smoking inside stores & hotel/casions on and near the strip. i must have smoked atleast a zip while i was out.

[@ThinkLascivious]

Just book any room in Vegas with a balcony. Easy to smoke weed. In fact, i have a video on my channel of me taking bong hits on balcony at the Cosmopolitan.

[@georgewbushcenterforintell147]

This sounds like a great idea but kinda pointless. Every stoner knows you can smoke weed in a hotel room abd get away with it just no blunts or joints . Bring the bong or just smoke shatter wax or do edibles. You can do this at any hotel or motel why pay extra ? I will say that if i can take bong hits and play craps in the casino that would be unique.

[@fsx-777-pilot8]

Bet he’s fully booked most of the year

[@carameloc]

The hotel used to be SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! It's so stripped down and boring now! :(

[@giowrld3boss308]

Badass need to check this out

[@spaceghost6713]

You can definitely smoke weed anywhere on the strip. Passed plenty of cops smoking joints and no one cared…also smoked weed in 3 different hotels on the strip

[@Dogeatbicycle]

I'm about to go take a vacation!

[@MarioBelanger-x7q]

You need any of your employees for that Hotel

[@carlosjr5921]

ppl already doing this in US states

[@kmalawo]

I smoke weed in my rooms all the time. Sometimes the whole floor will smell like weed.

[@Inkbyjames]

It’s a step in the right direction for normalizing this 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@KLEARSKITHEKREEPER]

The Flamingo has been this for years..the hotel alwys smells like weed. 😅

[@ArmandoSanchez-lv3bl]

Yay finally I love him

[@bradlee1brooks]

I’ll definitely be staying here!!

[@h8ydencha0tic52]

People are still in prisons for minor cannabis offenses in 2023.

[@leek5682]

Imagine getting anything you want because you’re 6’4 and your last name is Risk 😂

[@T-RavenZ]

I mean... you could just hit up the Sportsman's on Boulder hwy...and blaze up there lol got a pool and a hot tub , if you know how to act it's actually a nice spot ...😮😂💯👍

[@tajr.2650]

That used to be the Artisan.

[@kingstonstreet3726]

He is marketing something that was already happening.

[@HiddenMis7]

yep hes canadian