Colorado Cannabis Consumption Lounge – Tetra Lounge
I recently visited Tetra Private Lounge and Garden, Denver’s premier private consumption lounge and the only business in Denver where cannabis can legally be consumed on site. I interviewed the owner, Mr. Dewayne Benjamin, and he showed me around and allowed me to take pictures.
I asked Dewayne how his cannabis social club works? He said that they offer a safe and enjoyable environment to consume cannabis products while socializing with like-minded individuals. They offer daily passes, and monthly and annual memberships. For a $20 day pass, you are handed a rolling tray and ash tray. No cannabis is sold here, you have to bring your own. This is not a problem as the location, 3039 Walnut Street, is in the Rhino District of Denver, and several nearby dispensaries sell adult use cannabis. Dewaynepointed out a few local dispensaries to me. Members are guaranteed a one of a kind experience with a wide range of private cannabis related events and daily smoke sessions. As a private lounge, every guest must sign liability waiver in order to gain access to the amenities offered.
The Lounge was clean and well-lit with summer sunshine coming through the windows. Many comfortable couches and sitting areas were scattered about the 2,500 squared foot facility. Outside, there is a large backyard with more seating areas and a small stage where local bands play at night. The outside area is surrounded by a privacy fence. On this warm summer afternoon there were several small groups patrons outside and inside enjoying their cannabis.
“How does a business that sells only hats, t-shirts and water make money and stay in business?” I asked. Dewayne told me that he has over 15,000 members to his club. Ok I thought, quickly doing the math in my head, at $20 a person that comes to $300,000 a year assuming each member comes only once a year. Multiple visits by members would drive revenue up from there. Not bad for a business whose main expense is rent. Although only a few people were there that afternoon, he said at night the place is very full.
I wanted to learn more about the background of the licenses for these new cannabis establishments? The Colorado legislature has seen bills introduced in recent years to 
allow consumption lounges statewide, but these bills have failed. In November of 2021, Denver passed an ordinance creating licenses for cannabis hospitality establishments; Tetra received its license in early 2022. There is another consumption lounge in Denver called The Joint, but it only allows vape pens and edibles to be consumed on site. Two additional consumption lounge licenses are pending in Denver, and applicants must have social equity owners.
The rules are very strict; no alcohol or food may be sold and no one under 21 years old may enter. If you’re visiting or live in Denver and want a nice place in the area to hang out and consume cannabis, check out the Tetra Lounge.
