When Illinois lawmakers legalized cannabis, Holly Roeder decided to try to open a cannabis business in her hometown of Sesser.

She applied for an infuser license, but of course, the awarding of licensing in Illinois have become delayed for more than a year.

While she approached Sesser officials to bring in an infuser lab, Roeder heard about the state releasing on-site cannabis consumption licensing. So she gave it a shot.

“Having visited other onsite lounges in California, Vegas, and Colorado, I thought it would be a fun new concept to try and bring to the area,” Roeder said. “I had no idea I would secure the first one in the state.”

After the city approved the business with the support of Sesser Mayor Jason Ashmore, Roeder created the Luna Lounge. She even completed the construction and renovation on the former Bank of Sesser building.

For 10 years, Roeder has worked in the cannabis industry as a chemist in San Diego and understands the need for on-site cannabis consumption lounges.

“This lounge is important for multiple reasons,” she said. “We have a heavy influx of out of state cannabis tourists that come strictly to purchase cannabis, most of which consume illegally in their vehicles or public areas or transport illegally to their home state. Providing these lounges to Illinois recreational users and out-of-state user will ensure we can keep cannabis in a controlled area, not just in public parking lots or other places children may be present.”

The Luna Lounge also “provides a place for like-minded people to come and enjoy a night out while using cannabis without the presence of alcohol.”

The Luna Lounge’s grand opening is scheduled for today with a 1920s Prohibition Party. Guests are asked to dress in theme for a grand 1920’s style party, although not required.

The Luna Lounge also has a full smoke shop for all consumption needs. Just bring cannabis.

Rentalable water pipes will be available if needed.

No cannabis is sold on-site or in-store. No alcohol is sold on-site or in-store.

Customers must be 21 to enter.

The Luna Lounge can be found on Facebook at The Luna Lounge of Sesser, Twitter @thelunalounge_sesser, and www.lunaloungesesser.com.

For more Illinois cannabis industry news, click here.