Amsterdam in the desert.

"If you don't have the inclination to travel to Amsterdam, no worries. Amsterdam in the desert is coming to you. Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Nevada starting July 1."

Rob Astle


I called a friend from out of town yesterday to encourage him to attend the first annual Village Idiot Armada Days (VIAD) scheduled for June 22-26 in Las Vegas. After exchanging pleasantries he asks, "Are you going to talk about the marijuana business at VIAD?" I answer, "You bet! That and a number of other topics will be up for discussion." Not long ago, marijuana and its use were viewed as taboo by a majority of society. Oh, how times have changed. I read a CBS poll recently stating over 60% of the country feels marijuana should be legalized. A statement of that nature should serve as a notice to where things are going!

"So if I come to town and want to use marijuana can I just light one up and walk down the strip smoking it?" he says with a chuckle. "It's not that simple," I say with a hearty laugh of my own, "Right now the law states you are only permitted to consume marijuana in the sanctity of your own residence. Smoking in public is prohibited. Smoking at the resorts is also prohibited. The boundaries are very narrow."

"If I can't consume it in public, and I can't consume it at the resorts...where can I consume it?" he asks curiously - I tell him what I know - "According to what I understand, Las Vegas is in the process of designating certain enclaves as marijuana friendly zones. Meaning you can consume cannabis on its premises without any fear of repercussions," I then add, "I don't know exactly where those areas will be located at this point. But the day for legalization is approaching fast and marijuana tourism is being pitched left and right in Las Vegas, so I am assuming I will know all the schematics by the time VIAD starts."

We exchange a few more pleasantries and then he asks - "Are you exploring getting into the marijuana business? How many dispensaries are there in Las Vegas?" The answer to his latter question is thirty or so dispensaries currently exist in Clark County. The answer to his first question is a bit trickier - "Look, opening a dispensary is not feasible. But the thing that makes marijuana so enticing is the auxiliary business it will create. You've seen the numbers that Colorado does. Nevada is projected to top them. If you come out to VIAD, I will have a few player's in the industry there to better explain the future of cannabis." He tells me he will check on things and get back with me, he then adds - "Let's keep the line of communication open. You have me intrigued."

I don't want to scare anyone off who might be interested in attending VIAD. Marijuana talk may not be your cup of tea. But it would be amiss on my part if I don't address it. At this point everyone is familiar with the revenue Colorado and a handful of other states have generated by legalizing it. Not addressing it at VIAD would be akin to ignoring the eight hundred pound gorilla in the room.

The Killa is coming back to town.

The ex wife and I split the sheets a few years back. No hard feelings, we just grew apart...Las Vegas has a way of doing it to relationships. Anyhoo, it came as a pleasant surprise to me yesterday when my phone started ringing and the Caller ID showed her number. It's been a minute since we last talked - "Killa!" I say with enthusiasm as I answer, "What the hell is going on?"

Killa' - is the pet name I called her when we were married. The origination is twofold. It came from the fact she never went anywhere without a gun on her premise; couple that with she was one hell of a go getter and most should understand why the nickname fits. Any way, we spend a few minutes exchanging pleasantries and then she asks, "What is the deal with VIAD?" My previous post to the blog stated the first annual Village Idiot Armada Days is scheduled for June 22-26 in Las Vegas. I was elated to bring her up to speed..."First of all Killa', I want you to know how glad I am to hear from you. Second, VIAD will be an attempt to bring a number of people, both locally and from out of town, together in one spot so I can present a number of ideas I believe in. The gist will focus on such things as organic growth, guerilla marketing, tribal concepts and a number of other business trends that are ripe for the pickings in today's Trump America."

I've had a sneaky feeling about this for a while, but I never thought to ask; it wasn't my place to ask, but since she called me...it was fair game - "Kansas is putting your feet to sleep. Don't lie to me. I know a 'go-getter' like you is having trouble sitting on your hands while opportunities in Las Vegas are abound." When she lived in Las Vegas she had a job in the medical field that paid her two and a half times more than she ever made in Kansas. When she left to move back to Kansas her boss was extremely upset to say the least - "You are right," she says with a hint of enthusiasm in her voice, "I still have a few years left in me and I am hungry. I know the game well in Las Vegas and still have a number of ties to the town. Let me ask you something. Who all is planning on coming to town in June for VIAD?"

I go on to tell her the list at this point in time is small but growing - "My dad and a few guys from Las Vegas are the only firm commits at this point. But I am still working on a number of others. So I feel pretty good about things right now." She then states she is planning on coming out for VIAD barring any unforeseen circumstances - "That's what I like to hear Killa!" I say with enthusiasm, "Come on out and look around. You know my dad will be happy to see you. He always thought a lot of you." Before I end this post I have to admit something to everyone. It's nice to have an ex whom you can remain on good terms with. Listen guys, you never know when it might prove beneficial in the future.

Village Idiot Armada Days.

The village idiot of Las Vegas is back and determined as ever! With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to anyone who finds the blog intriguing. The first annual Village Idiot Armada Days (VIAD) has been scheduled for June 22-26. The purpose of (VIAD) is to give attendees an in depth look at a number of trends and bizopps that are proven beneficial in today's environment. Besides...Who doesn't want to come out and have a great time in the entertainment capital of the world? I will post a complete itinerary of the event soon. One last thing, I promise to make it entertaining!

Thanks,


Rob Astle
aka - The village idiot of Las Vegas