Cannabis consumption bar to open in Sesser; first in Illinois

Posted on March 18, 2021
The lounge is the first in the state of Illinois. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois’ first on-site cannabis consumption bar will soon open in Southern Illinois.

The Luna Lounge is a bring-your-own consumption bar in Sesser that allows up to 100 users to consume marijuana at once.

Owner Holly Roeder told WJBC’s Scott Miller the bar is a first-of-it-kind and does not allow any other drugs.

“We want to provide a space that does not have any alcohol because people like to have a good time when they’re still smoking (and) enjoying cannabis. But, you know, if we go to a regular bar, we get kicked out if we roll-up a joint or roll-up something else. This is why we’re making this space so people can bring their cannabis and enjoy it and listen to bands just like they would at a regular bar but not be influenced by alcohol or other drugs.”

Roeder said patrons could purchase cannabis at a dispensary in Marion or Carbondale and then take it to the lounge to consume.

“Everything will be legal. We will have pieces for you to rent to consume your product in-store. You can buy papers; you can buy all the things that you’re going to need to consume-in-house. And when you leave, we’ll fill you right back up like a dispensary would and put you back on the road completely legal.”

LISTEN: Owner Holly Roeder spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. 

Roeder said before patrons leave, the lounge provides CBD water in-case they get elevated off of PHC to ensure drivers are sober behind the wheel.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…