Illinois' first cannabis lounge to open in Sesser July 10

SESSER - Illinois' first cannabis lounge will open in Sesser July 10.

The idea behind the business is to create an enjoyable atmosphere for people who wish to consume cannabis products in a safe, entertaining environment, owner Holly Roeder says.

Drawing inspiration from the 1920s Prohibition Era, the Luna Lounge is located at the former Sesser Bank at 101 W. Franklin Street.

Roeder bills the Luna Lounge as an on-site cannabis lounge and smoke shop. The two entities are separate; the smoke shop has smoking accessories and is located in the vault of the old bank. The lounge, which charges a house access fee of $4.20, is a spot for people who want to use cannabis products at the site.

The Luna Lounge does not sell cannabis; patrons who want to consume it at the location must bring their own.

Tickets for the opening night are sold out already, but other events already are being booked, Roeder says.

In addition, regular daily events are planned for the lounge area.

While the Luna Lounge doesn't serve food, a food truck will be available, parked on the street outside of the lounge.

Employees, or crew members, of the lounge are educated in the finer points of cannabis consumption and are available to help each patron.

In addition, the lounge has a VIP seating area, a stage for entertainment events, couches and loungers, card tables, a ready assortment of board games, a touch-tune jukebox, craft areas and video games.

The Luna Lounge originally was slated to open earlier this year, but pushed back the opening to July.

The July 10 grand opening encourages people to dress in Prohibition-era clothing and offers a contest with prizes for the "best-dressed."

More information is available by visiting The Luna Lounge of Sesser on Facebook or www.lunaloungesesser.com.