The Lost Coast Outpost reports that Arcata's planning commission will consider a request next week from Pacific Paradise, a longtime head shop and dispensary on the corner of H and 11th streets. The owners want to turn the storefront next door into an "on-site cannabis consumption lounge."
Arcata changed its on-site consumption rules in April. Under them, lounges must be enclosed and approved by the city, are 21+ only, can't serve alcohol or allow other drugs, and can't be open between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Pacific Paradise would also need a state consumption license before opening.
Co-owner Jenn Henson has big plans: couches, a dab bar, comedy and music nights, and maybe an arcade cabinet. "Who wouldn't want to get high and play Pac-Man?" she told the Outpost. Entry would come with a purchase at the dispensary, and there's no opening date yet.
Nearby Eureka has allowed lounges since 2019, and one is open there now.
What it means for travelers: for now this is just a proposal. If it's approved and licensed, North Coast visitors would get a legal place to consume, which matters because smoking in hotels and rentals is often off-limits.