Okay Cannabis is the second smoke lounge I’ve attended in Illinois. I’ve visited about a half dozen times since it’s opening and the space is changing rapidly.
When Okay Cannabis dispensary first opened, it had a friendly vibe. Unlike other dispensaries, Okay Cannabis felt a little bit like sesame street – the bright colors and clean lines in the decor spoke to the curious and thoughtful child in all of us. The smoke lounge had many seating options, cushioned sheets, tall bar height chairs, and standard seating under standard tables. They were not arranged in any particular way, in line with the polished wackiness of the dispensary.
Each time I visited Okay Cannabis, the lounge changed. More and different seating options were added along with additional games/magazines for light entertainment. In my opinion, the lounge is starting to take on a more cold and cheap feel. The room feels too crowded and is less relaxing in general. The music is always different as well so you never know what kind of vibe you will get when visiting.
All is not lost in this new setup, as it still seems like a good fit for a pregame, especially given the fact that they still sell snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The munchi mix – an assortment of salty snacks and beverages – is probably the best deal on the menu and drink items like hot chocolate and coffee are great options to have available after a joint.
The changes don’t encourage a long stay, but the staff is always friendly and laid back. There is still more of a community vibe within the dispensary and lounge, so it’s a great place to revisit and get to know everyone.
Overall, there are many changes in the cannabis industry and the business around the industry as a whole. It’s exciting to see the market respond to consumers and adjust. Even with all the changes happening, the future for cannabis still seems bright and promising.