| I think it’s a non-issue. I can’t imagine that the casinos will even allow it inside, let alone use it as a marketing tool. |
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| I’m most concerned that I’ll be inundated by second-hand marijuana smoke. If that happens, it could affect my visitation habits. |
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| I don’t want to see people smoking weed in public, casinos or otherwise, but it won’t change too much for me in terms of my patronage. |
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| It won’t change a thing for me. |
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| I hate it and it will definitely cause me to visit less often, or at least more seriously consider alternatives. |
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| I think it’s great. Smoking legal weed will definitely be a part of my Las Vegas itinerary in the future. |
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Analysis
This was about what we expected. Due to the assumed prohibition of smoking pot in public, it’s a non-issue for a plurality of respondents — but not by much.
There’s a real fear of second-hand pot smoke, especially from those who’re randomly drug tested at work; we received feedback with that concern from a half-dozen correspondents. One wrote, “I’ve seen some of my co-workers dismissed.”
Other fears:
“The traffic problem in Las Vegas can be dangerous enough without adding people legally using drugs to the mix.”
“It is bad enough gambling next to a drunk. I can't imagine gambling next to someone high on marijuana. "Hey man. Good stuff. Want some?" I would liken it to being trapped on an airplane next to someone talking on a cell phone.”
“It is a shame that a lot of water needed for growing food and for drinking will be diverted to growing marijuana.”
And one wag added, “My only concern is that the buffet lines will now be longer!”
A number of people just don’t want to smell it:
“I live in Oregon [where marijuana has been legal for a couple of years] and ever since we passed our law, it has given people license to smoke pot whenever they want. It's fairly common to smell it in the streets and public places. Unless there is strict enforcement, I expect the same in Vegas. And that would keep me away, because the smell is disgusting.”
“I’m a recovering alcoholic and addict. I’ve been in recovery for over 21 years. I can deal with the drinking, but I don’t want to walk through clouds of pot smoke on my visits.”
“… Marijuana is a powerful throat and lung irritant. Tobacco and weed are noxious-smelling and stink up the joint. The only thing we smoke is on the BBQ.”
“I stayed at Planet Hollywood October 16-19 and the stench on my floor was horrid. Don't wish to do that again! I would definitely ask a hotel its policy when making reservations.”
“The smell [of cigarettes] is terrible, let alone bad for my health and everyone else’s. Marijuana is even worse. The odor of it is terrible. This would unfortunately keep me from going to Vegas and enjoying the casinos. Please don't ruin the casinos with marijuana; cigarettes are bad enough.”
“I hate it and will immediately leave any casino that allows weed to be smoked, and will not return.”
On the other hand, two voters sent in the opposite response:
“I don't smoke at all and I hate second-hand tobacco smoke, but I welcome second-hand pot smoke.”
“I’ve smoked pot for 50 years (and yes, my lung power is excellent), and when I smell second-hand MJ smoke, I get a little smile on—someone else is partaking of the sacred herb.”
A couple medical-marijuana users weighed in:
“I suffer from COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease] and cannabis, believe it or not, helps me breathe and simply get through the day. … COPD patients don’t smoke cannabis, we take cannabis oil orally, and my wish is that it will be legalized across our nation very soon. I congratulate the people of Nevada and look forward to seeing your beautiful state and my favorite place in the world, Las Vegas!”
“Most medical-marijuana users don’t smoke the pot. In fact, most use MJ that doesn’t get you high at all. Some preparations do, of course, like the hash oil pills I take at night to sleep better (and we have great sex on it!). But even when I take it during the day, no one can tell I’m high. From my own experience, I never worry about anyone else who’s high on pot.”
But most people who sent in comments reflected the prevailing non-issue attitude:
“It won't affect me at all since I am in California and can smoke at home anyway. I’m in Vegas to see shows, eat, and play some slots.”
“I really don't care what other people do with their lives as long as it doesn't affect mine. So as long as it's off the streets and out of the casinos, go smoke yourselves silly.”
“I don't care if people smoke weed. However, if they smoke it in the casino will not stay or play in that casino.”
Finally, one respondent had a much more pressing issue:
“As long as people use it privately, I have no issue. If it is allowed in casinos, I will go elsewhere, but I still will not play 6-to-5 blackjack.”
