Research? Intellectual? Where? Since when?
There's no reason to pose a counter-argument to nonsensical declarations and judgments based on subjective observations and personal tastes. They carry no weight outside your own head.
However, the crux of this argument is captured by this article's headline in the words "next hurdle," which implies another will follow. Of course, that means outdoor use, which is mentioned in the article. Anyone who believes this push will stop with pot lounges is either naive or disingenuous.