Whether THC would stay legal in Texas was a massive question looming over the multiple sessions of the Texas Legislator this summer. We have an answer now, with Governor Greg Abbott creating an executive order that legalized the variations of Delta-8 and Delta-9 Texans have grown accustomed to consuming, while restricting the sale of THC products to people over 21 at locations with a liquor license (expected to go into effect on October 1, 2025). The Department of State Health Services will draw up expectations for sellers outside the purview of the TABC.
Now that Texas retailers are out of a state of limbo about THC, there's space for a new kind of consumption. And Emerald City, a cannabis lounge in Fort Worth, should be the model for creating an alcohol-free space that is cannabis-forward. We've gotten so used to THC being something we access in these gross spaces, the dirty shops with unappealing aesthetics where you grab and go, that Texans still think of THC as a nasty little habit, something underground that "good people" don't do. Not true. It can be cool — and welcoming.
Big skylights, neon signs, and comfy places to sit.
Getting high, having a few laughs, and meeting new people is a solution, one among many, for the loneliness epidemic. A study in Nature showed that cannabis users scored higher in prosocial behaviors and the empathy quotient, and that its consumption is associated with dampened aggression and an increase in feelings of peace, joy, and openness. A Pew Research poll from 2024 found that 57 percent of Americans think cannabis should be legal for recreational and medical use, because it is suitable for local economies and makes the justice system more equitable. It is also the future — a study from cannabis research firm, New Frontier Data, found in a 2024 survey that 69 percent of Gen Z prefer cannabis to alcohol, CBS News reports. While some bars in DFW are getting into selling THC-infused drinks, either canned or from a menu, there is only one place customers can roll a spliff and hang out for a while — that’s Emerald City.
Emerald City owner and Fort Worth lifer, Candice Stinnett, spent a lot of time visiting cannabis loungers in Los Angeles to find her inspiration. What she ended up with was a Millennial-core spot with tons of fake greenery; puffy, comfy couches that look like Alice in Wonderland set pieces; custom-made neon signs with quotes from modern famous folks (think Mac Miller and Lil Wayne) about weed; a wall of windows that face the sunset, plus some skylights that make the space feel welcoming and bright; and an idea that cannabis consumption and community go together.
A tray with options for smoking comes to you.
What struck me about the place was the service. I went with a friend and we grabbed a couch. A flight attendant (one of the cute names they have for your server) came over with a menu, which she walked us through. There are multiple ways to consume in Emeraldy City. I opted for a canned drink called Ease Up that had THC, CBD, and CBG (cannabigerol), the latter thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Basically, the perfect drink for a woman in perimenopause, when inflammation, general pain caused by inflammation, irritability, and mood swings are flexing so hard you want to die. I became a charming person for the evening. Stinnett is working with a cannabis mixologist to create a menu of infused cocktails that will be available soon.
My friend opted to smoke, got a tray with his selection of flower (yes, they call it flower — how perfectly retro), a grinder to break up the bud, papers, and a highly aesthetic and brand new box of Target-brand matches. The presentation was pretty in a gender neutral way, and the service is exceptional. You don't need to know a lot about how to smoke cannabis to do it here; they'll explain it all to you and even demonstrate if needed. From there, patrons just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.
With your order comes a grinder, matches, and papers. The stunning ashtrays are on every table.
Stinnett is big on offering programming to bring people in and make it a cohesive atmosphere, from comedians and DJs to “puff and paint” ladies’ nights. The idea is something DFW needs more of: making cannabis consumption into something adults do, just like they'd go to a bar for drinks. We have this conception that it is a solo thing you must sit at home to do, because the dosage will be high, and you don't want to drive. But reader, there are always Ubers and Lyfts. While taking one home from Fort Worth is a bit too far for a Dallas girl, Stinnett told me that Emerald City doesn't mind if folks need to hang out to let the high wear off, or even sleep it off with a short nap if necessary. The couches are comfortable enough to accommodate.
Somewhat ironically, Emerald City is across the street from one of Fort Worth's oldest police stations — although the station will be closing soon. When patrons leave with any product, they get a certificate that identifies what it is, its chemical composition, and the licensed vendor it was legally purchased from. It's another thoughtful touch.
Visit Emerald City at 937 Woodward Street in Fort Worth.