[[{“value”:”Emerald Organics, known for its high-quality, sustainably sourced cannabis products, is celebrating its five-year anniversary with an exciting new venture—Emerald City Lounge. Opening this spring, the cannabis consumption lounge will offer a safe, community-oriented space for patrons to enjoy cannabis socially.
For Emerald Organics’ owner Candice Stinnett, the new Emerald City Lounge is more than just a retail space—it’s a place to educate and connect more with the community. Some customers have been using cannabis for years without knowing its full benefits, while others are new and seeking to learn.
Legality and safety
With cannabis consumption still being relatively new in many states, including Texas, concerns around legality and safety are common. For many, it’s unclear whether cannabis products are safe to consume or if they require a medical marijuana card. Emerald Organics’ lounge will provide a safe environment where all products are federally compliant, and no medical card will be required to purchase products.
“All our products come with a 3rd party Certificate of Analysis (COA) to show they meet legal THC content requirements,” Stinnett said.
These COAs ensure that the products sold at Emerald Organics and in Emerald City Lounge are safe, tested and legal. Since recreational marijuana remains illegal in Texas, all products offered will be hemp-derived with the potency of THC in compliance with both state and federal laws.
What is hemp?
Cannabis is a flowering plant in the Cannabaceae family encompassing both marijuana and hemp species. The term marijuana generally refers to cannabis plants cultivated for their psychoactive properties, containing high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, the compound responsible for the “high” feeling.
Hemp, on the other hand, is known for its fiber and used in a wide range of consumable products, including foods, beverages, CBD oil and personal care items. While both come from the same cannabis plant, hemp contains low levels of THC—less than 3%—and higher levels of cannabidiol, CBD. By comparison, marijuana plants can contain 25% THC or more.
In Texas, marijuana remains illegal, but hemp is fully legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp cultivation and commercial production nationwide, as long as THC levels stay below 0.3% on a dry weight basis. This allows hemp-derived products like CBD and THC oils, edibles and tinctures to be legally sold in the state.
What is a cannabis lounge?
The concept of a cannabis consumption lounge is relatively new, particularly in Texas, where cannabis laws remain strict. Emerald Organics’ lounge is modeled after more established concepts in California, where over 17 such lounges are currently operating.
“In the simplest terms, think of it like a cigar lounge combined with a bar, but with THC and CBD products—a safe, legal space where people can enjoy cannabis products like smokable flower, beverages and edibles, whether they’re seasoned users or curious newcomers,” Stinnett said.
One of the primary goals of the lounge is to educate visitors about the different types of cannabis and their potential benefits. Many people still have misconceptions about cannabis, often lumping marijuana and hemp together, and it’s important to clarify these differences.
As the industry grows, so does the need for accurate education. Emerald Organic’s store and soon-to-open lounge are designed to be educational hubs, where both seasoned users and newcomers can learn about cannabis in a safe, welcoming space.
When the Emerald City Lounge opens, it will offer a laid-back, inviting atmosphere. The space will feature comfortable lounge furniture, an outdoor patio and a range of activities like puzzles and sports on TV to encourage socializing and relaxation. Stinnett envisions it as a place where cannabis consumption is not hidden or stigmatized but celebrated alongside food, music and good company.
“This is about making cannabis something that’s open, inviting and part of a healthy social life,” Stinnett said. “We’re creating a space where people can come together, relax and enjoy the benefits of cannabis without judgment.”
To stay up to date on the latest developments and news about Emerald City Lounge, visit Emerald Organic’s Facebook page.
If you wish to explore Emerald Organic’s wide range of hemp-derived products, visit their website.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.
“}]] Emerald Organics, known for its high-quality, sustainably sourced cannabis products, is celebrating its five-year anniversary with an exciting new venture—Emerald City Lounge. Opening this spring, the cannabis consumption lounge will offer a safe, community-oriented space for patrons to enjoy cannabis socially. Read More
