Reservations are required to enter Session by the Bay’s lounge, but the dispensary is open to the public.
NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — Jokers, smokers and midnight tokers are celebrating the grand opening of San Diego County’s first cannabis lounge this weekend.
The long-awaited Sessions by the Bay opened their ground-level dispensary earlier this month. But on the weekend of the nationally-recognized “weed holiday” on April 20 (4/20), swaths of people are expected to flock to National City for some good smoke, good vibes and good tunes for the lounge’s debut.
Reservations are required for the lounge on opening weekend, but the dispensary will remain open to everyone. The smoking lounge will also have an immersive art space and elevated dining.
Cannabis will be available to consume in the form of pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and concentrates.
The grand opening, among other things, will have a lineup of live music and vinyl DJs for the entirety of the weekend.
Here’s a look at the live entertainers for opening weekend:
- Chakasonica
- DJ Dume
- Fireside Sessions
- Chunky Roots
- Mr. Coldsweat
- DJ Lafs
- DJ Boogie Man
- Psydecar
- Chakasonica
- Cari
- Toney Tuffy
- I.R. Giant
- TEC
- DJ Beto Perez
- Karlos Paez EB Side Players
National City earns 5% in tax revenue from cannabis sales, and Sessions is expected to bring in $1.5-2 million each year. This money, that will go into the city’s general fund, can be used for public services, infrastructure and public safety.
“Seeing this was a big step. The first lounge just not in our city but the region,” said National City councilmember Jose Rodriguez in an interview with CBS 8 last year.
He says the city issued six licenses for marijuana businesses that are projected to generate $2-3 million in tax revenue for the city each year.
“We do anticipate a lot of foot traffic not just from National City residents but through the region so we see that as a positive. It is a lounge that will be located west of the 5 freeway and away from the neighborhoods which is a positive as well,” he said.
Sessions by the Bay’s dispensary will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., despite state laws allowing for cannabis businesses to remain open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. But local leaders are looking to lift the schedule restrictions.
Supporters say the current hours harm economic growth and could drive business to neighboring cities and generate less revenue for National City.
Its lounge hours currently are: Monday-Thursday: 12-10 p.m., Friday: 12-11 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. -11 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. -10 p.m.
Head to 700 Bay Marina Drive, National City, CA 91950 for the one-of-a-kind experience.
While Sessions has more than 100 parking spots available, the lounge recommends not driving under the influence and designating a sober driver or using a rideshare service.
In a statement to CBS 8, National City Police, when asked how they will monitor intoxicated drivers, a spokesperson said:
“One of the primary goals of the National City Police Department is to ensure the safety and security of all who live, work, and visit National City. The National City Police Department will strive to work collaboratively with Sessions By The Bay and all businesses to provide and maintain a safe environment for everyone.”
