The future of cannabis lounges in Nevada continues to come into focus following a lengthy debate and vote on regulations during a Tuesday meeting.

The Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) approved new regulations for cannabis consumption lounges that are setting the stage for official licensing opportunities come fall of this year.

CCB said this decision had been a months-long process at the state level, with 15 meetings and plenty of workshops taking place before Tuesday's unanimous vote.

Ordering cannabis is now becoming just as easy as ordering a beer at your local bar as state approval is in. Now, CCB said it is up to local jurisdictions to implement their ordinances.

Paul Loach, a Gardnerville resident, said

I mean we gotta be 21 to come here (Sol Cannabis) and 21 to be in a bar so it makes sense.

Tuesday the CCB gave a unanimous green light with tight regulations for public health and safety -- as well as social equity.

Tyler Klimas, Executive Director for CCB said, "...for our board to be able to promulgate regulations around what a social equity applicant is to begin to bring in more diverse ownership and in this industry is a great step forward for the state."

In total, for this round, there will be around 40 to 45 retail attached licenses given out and 20 independent licenses, said the CCB -- 10 of those 20, will be for social equity applicants.

Now the decision goes to local jurisdictions for implementation.

"All the local jurisdictions have had the regulations, they've been having those discussions. And so I think they're all prepared to move at the pace that they feel is necessary for their jurisdiction," said Klimas.

One local dispensary we spoke with said they like the industry step forward and are awaiting Washoe County's ordinances to follow before building anything. However, they say they do have one worry, and its not about the regulations.

Edward Alexander, Sol Cannabis Owner, said

I heard a lot about additional revenue streams at today's meeting. And I'm a little apprehensive that if we put finance in front of functional that the program may, you know, may not be as successful as it could be.

Alexander said cannabis is one of the most regulated industries in the state -- he hopes a balance is found between finances, regulations, and serving guests.

"I really hope that the regulators remember why they're doing this and it's to give people a place to consume responsibly, this may not be a great revenue source for the State of Nevada, but a lot of things that we do, you know, are designed to foster the growth within the emerging industry. You know, we got, we got to have a chance to breathe before, before we get taxed out of existence," added Alexander.

What follows now are information sessions and an asking questions period. After that, the application period will open around fall for licenses with lounges potentially opening by the end of the year.