Last verified: April 2026
Definition
BYOC (acronym) means customers or guests bring their own legally purchased cannabis to a venue rather than buying it on site. It is the opposite of a Hospitality & Sales lounge that holds an on-site sales license. BYOC venues typically provide the space — ventilation, seating, sometimes food and glassware rental — but no flower, edibles, or concentrate.
Etymology & Origin
The acronym is an obvious riff on BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze/Bottle), which dates to mid-20th-century American party culture. The cannabis version entered common use as consumption lounges began opening state by state: Colorado passed its Marijuana Hospitality Establishment law (HB 19-1230) in 2019, followed by Nevada, Illinois, New Mexico, and most prominently Michigan, where the BYOC private-club model dominates.
Usage
Used on signage, invitations, and in casual conversation.
- “The lounge is BYOC — grab something from the dispensary next door first.”
- “Friday night sesh at my place, BYOC.”
- “BYOC only — we don’t sell flower here.”
Rules vary sharply by state. Michigan’s consumption-lounge scene is almost entirely BYOC. Colorado has two license types — Hospitality (BYOC) and Hospitality & Sales. Nevada lounges prohibit outside cannabis entirely — whatever you consume must be purchased on the premises.
Related Terms
See also sesh and the full breakdown at BYOC rules by state.
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