Lisette Gonzalez said she has watched the perception of cannabis change over time from something that had to be hidden to something you can use openly.

On Sunday morning, Gonzalez and a friend waited in line for doors to open at National City’s Sessions by the Bay, San Diego County’s first on-site cannabis consumption lounge.

The San Diego woman said she’s been a cannabis consumer for many years and remembers when it had to be hidden. “I mean, it’s life changing,” she said about cannabis’ public acceptance. California voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana almost a decade ago.

Sunday was not only a celebration for people to come together to enjoy the new cannabis venue, Gonzalez said, but a chance to celebrate 4/20, a date marijuana users have long considered a cannabis holiday. 

“We’re happy, we laugh, and we just come together,” she said. “And, you know, people have a bad perception of it, but in reality… it’s more than just being under the influence, I guess.”

Moe Crespo, Gonzalez’s friend who is also of San Diego, said that he grew up with cannabis being seen as bad and a gateway to other drugs. He said the idea of being in a community and getting to know other people who enjoy weed appealed to him. He also said his appetite is suppressed from a disorder, so cannabis helps him feel hungry, which means he could enjoy the food items served at the lounge.

Sessions by the Bay, which first received its permit in 2022, held a soft opening for friends on Friday and opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday. The lounge sits on the second floor above a dispensary in National City. Before entering the lounge, customers have to first buy cannabis at the dispensary and bring it up to the second floor. They are not allowed to bring their own cannabis or devices. 

Inside, patrons found small tables tucked inside a darkened room that felt a little like a nightclub. They were given a menu that explained how the lounge operates: Customers can smoke pre-rolled cannabis, enjoy mocktails that they could infuse with cannabis served in little tins, or they could rent or buy a variety of devices such as hookahs, bongs or balloons to smoke. Starting Monday, some cannabis will be sold upstairs, too, said Lounge Lead Luis Garcia. When that change occurs, patrons will be able to order edibles, flowers and other cannabis products.

On Sunday, they could also order food items, prepared at a restaurant in the same business park — Kimball Coastal Eatery — including all-day breakfast, burgers and other items.

Alex Ayon, owner of Sessions by the Bay, said he didn’t intentionally time the lounge’s opening with April 20 but got the business up and running as quickly as possible.

“I think this is karma or, you know, the stars aligning for us,” he said.

He was not concerned about it being Easter, comparing indulging in a cannabis lounge to ordering a mimosa with brunch. “We have a lot of religious people that smoke weed, too,” he said.

The National City Council unanimously approved the project more than two years ago, seeing it as a way to curb the illicit marijuana market and offer a regulated space to smoke. Ayon previously owned two dispensaries in San Diego and La Mesa and operates one in Lone Pine. The building is leased from the Sycuan Tribal Development Council.

The long wait to get it opened seemed to create some pent-up demand:  Ayon said there was a waitlist of around 8,000 people seeking a reservation to attend the lounge. He said he expected around 1,000 customers to show up Sunday.

The space boasts an interior inspired by opulent Moroccan designs with some velvet seating. There are spaces for smaller parties to sit, as well as large circular booths. A long high-top table was positioned near the DJ. Music was played at a volume low enough to allow some talking. Outside, there’s a patio with seating and hanging lights.

Ayon said he and his wife wanted the lounge to be colorful and indulgent because a person can be more appreciative of colors and energy when they’re high. His wife designed the space. There was some visible smoke inside, as well as some smell from cannabis. The owners agreed to ensure odors can’t be detected outside the premises and there’s a HVAC system that brings fresh air in and filters outgoing air through carbon filters.

Ayon said they integrated art throughout the space. Waiters work with people who are new to cannabis, as well as experienced users. Server Claire Gallo said she tells customers about the rental devices that can be used for cannabis, with some working better for more experienced users and others for beginners. The rentals cost between $5 and $25 for the duration of a patron’s visit.

Jonny Gomez said he rented a “gravity device” and planned to return to try others later. “I’ve always wanted to try it, but they’re just really expensive, so I would never really buy one, so it’s cool I can just rent one for 25 bucks,” he said.

Servers said they trained for weeks to learn about different types of cannabis and how to instruct patrons on using the devices that can be rented or purchased.

At the end of their visit, patrons can use a ride-hailing service if they feel too intoxicated to drive. There is a ride-hailing section in the parking lot.

“We don’t want people to be super funny walking around in the streets or driving home,” Gallo said. “No driving home.”

Sessions by the Bay is at 700 Bay Marina Drive, National City. It’s open Monday through Friday noon to 10 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.