Despite the name, Smoke & Mirrors has nothing to hide. The first state-approved marijuana consumption lounge is right off the Strip at Thrive Cannabis Marketplace near Resorts World. In the name of research and journalism, members of the City Cast Las Vegas team, including myself, co-host Dayvid Figler, and producer Layla Muhammad, stopped by to check it out.
🍸 It’s basically a cannabis cocktail lounge
The first page of the menu is dominated by eight mocktails with the option to add 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or in an off-menu special, 10 mg of THC. The mocktails aren’t pre-batched or canned. They’re made from scratch by a bartender and smartly crafted with complex flavors. I tried Evolve (similar to a chilled Hot Toddy with apple, cinnamon, and vanilla), while Dayvid went with Born This Way (compared to a martini on the menu, but more like a sweet, floral Manhattan). The drinks worked great on taste alone, and weren't overly sweet. We went with the low-dose THC, which added up to a mild buzz that peaked after about an hour.
🤑 What Else Can I Buy?
Flip the menu over for a choice of flower (an eighth or a gram) with a bong, pipe, or papers included. This is a good time to point out that whatever is purchased here, stays here. You can’t take any cannabis “to go.” Pre-rolls are also available 🔥 Layla opted for a dab (or wax), consumed with a Huni-Badger – a device that looks like a microscope from science class. It’s similar to a bong, but easier and cleaner to use. Layla’s buzz kicked in much quicker.
❇️ How’s the vibe?
Overall, the lounge is a cozy, contemporary space, blending modern design touches with vintage-style furniture. Dayvid describes the atmosphere as “hip dentist office” thanks to the stark white walls, though cannabis consultant Chris LaPorte tells us they’re planning on painting those soon. TVs alternate between sports and trippy graphics, but your eyes will gravitate to the bobbing jellyfish-shaped light fixtures in the lobby 🪼
🤔 Would you visit on atmosphere alone?
Probably not. But the service is friendly and you’ll be more than comfortable while enjoying the products. The lighting, which darkens as the night goes on, and sound levels are perfect, with DJs making regular appearances 🎶
👀 Anything Else in the Works?
Smoke & Mirrors plans to expand the menu and offer some form of in-house catering in the future. You may also see THC-infused food items (like dipping sauces) show up.
✅ More Stuff to Know
Just like at any dispensary, sales are CASH ONLY 💵 If you forget, the ATM has a low (by Vegas standards) $2 service fee. You can’t bring in any outside cannabis, food, or alcohol.
Each customer is monitored individually by state ID and faces the same daily purchasing limits that apply to any dispensary customer. (And don’t worry, those limits are generous, you’ll be fine). Regardless of party size, everyone receives an individual check.
Be safe and know your limits. The parking lot is a 24-hour tow-free zone, so there’s no excuse to not use a rideshare if needed and return for your car later 👍
