As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’re living through a bit of a tumultuous era for both the local wine and cannabis industries. But there’s a new glimmer of hope for the latter, in the form of an alternate business model — recently blessed by state law — that allows people to hang out and smoke and be merry at weed dispensaries. Aka, the lounge model! Now, it’s up to local governments in California’s towns and counties to decide what’s allowed within their bounds. It’s been a big topic of discussion this year down in Santa Cruz County, naturally. And here in Sonoma County, we happen to be on the cutting edge.
A perfectly legal new cannabis lounge just opened at the Mercy Wellness dispensary in Cotati — a stoney sanctuary filled with comfy chairs, chill lighting, trippy visuals projected onto the walls, sports games on the TVs, DJs on the turntables, comfort food popups and a weed menu overflowing with diverse strains. A Press Democrat reporter stopped by the lounge at 7950 Redwood Dr. on opening day, March 27, to survey the scene:
At 3 p.m., when the doors opened to the Mercy Wellness Lounge, Sydney Comora was first in line. A few minutes later, joint in hand, she was sitting in a cozy club chair watching a DJ spin reggae. Psychedelic images swirled and oozed on a giant screen.
Comora, smoke drifting around her head, relaxed into the moment.
“This is the best place ever,” she said. The Santa Rosa resident said she was celebrating her 30th birthday with her sister.
Mercy Wellness is the first Sonoma County cannabis retailer to take advantage of a 2024 state law allowing dispensary owners to prepare and serve hot food and nonalcoholic drinks on site, creating a more club-like atmosphere like those in Amsterdam.
Such venues may be a rare, new bright spot for California’s sagging marijuana industry, plagued in recent years by high tax burdens, expensive permits, strict regulation, and a still-thriving black market.
According to the Mercy Wellness Lounge website, it’s open from 3-10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays “with rotating events, exclusive deals, and a community of good people who love good weed.” Lounge owners add: “Spark One. Stay awhile. Round up the crew, roll through, and find your vibe.”
Note from Simone: This piece originally appeared in the weekly email newsletter I write for the Bohemian, called Wine Country Today. Subscribe here!
