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Illinois Opens Its First Cannabis Lounge in a Small Town

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Illinois Opens Its First Cannabis Lounge in a Small Town

In a town of 1,900 people roughly 300 miles south of Chicago, the first cannabis lounge opened in the state of Illinois. Sesser, Illinois is now home to the Luna Lounge, a 1920s themed cannabis consumption lounge, where people can come in and smoke medical and recreational cannabis in a safe place. Owner Holly Roeder has worked in the cannabis industry in California for over 10 years and is excited to bring this unique opportunity to such a small town. “The rumors are true,” said a Facebook post. “We are the first completely legal onsite cannabis consumption lounge in the state of Illinois. Bring your cannabis, and we will take care of the rest.”

Roeder wants the Luna Lounge to be a place for everyone. “We’re providing a place to smoke cannabis, just like a bar — but with no alcohol,” Roeder said. Luna Lounge is not allowed to sell cannabis of any kind according to Illinois state law, so customers must bring their own product in sealed packaging from a licensed dispensary. The lounge is also choosing to not sell any food or alcohol drinks. However, they are offering hundreds of different cannabis accessories, from papers to rigs and pipes. Luna Lounge  even rents out bongs, located in the building’s old bank vault. The Luna Lounge offers a unique experience for everyone. 

Road to Legality

Nevertheless, it wasn’t always an easy road for Holly Roeder and the Luna Lounge. In 2020, Roeder applied for a license to open the Luna Lounge and received tons of criticism in return. While the Sesser City Council debated on awarding Roeder with a license or not, some members of the local community spoke out. The Sesser-Valier Ministerial Alliance of Churches wrote a letter to the city council on the damages a cannabis lounge would create for the city. It was signed by eight different pastors in the area. Even a conservative mayoral candidate ran in the 2020 election specifically to oppose the lounge’s eventual greenlight. 

However, the town of Sesser came out and voted for Mayor Jason Ashmore, who greenlit the license for the Luna Lounge, by 72 percent. “The feedback we’ve gotten has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mayor Ashmore told The Chicago Tribune. “I don’t partake, but just like every new business, I’m going to show up and show my support. I hope they have a domino effect and bring in tourism for other businesses. We’re hoping it will help Sesser grow.”

Following the approval of the Luna Lounge license, Sesser City Council awarded Roeder with $7,500 from tax revenue to create handicap accessibility to the lounge, thus creating a welcome environment for all who want to participate. 

Chicago

But the biggest question people are asking is why Sesser, Illinois over a large city like Chicago? Why didn’t Chicago open the first cannabis lounge in the state? Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, D, is asking the same question. She’s been trying to push for a cannabis consumption lounge for the city. But the city council opposed the idea, much like the eight pastors who wrote to Sesser city council. They see cannabis lounges as “unruly party spots.” 

Meanwhile, Sesser, Illinois is leading the charge on cannabis lounges and that doesn’t look to change anytime soon. The Luna Lounge charges $4.20 for entrance, with live performances and comedians scheduled every night of the week. The lounge also offers board, card, and video games for guests to rent and play during their time. 

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