NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — San Diego County’s first cannabis lounge held its sold-out grand opening event on Sunday, April 20 (4/20). Sessions by the Bay, located in National City, is expected to generate around $500,000 for the city annually, according to a co-owner of the business. 

National City’s cannabis tax is 5%, half of the City of San Diego’s new rate. Alex Ayon said that it attracts customers and profits for the city.

“Every transaction, every customer here is contributing to National City through their purchases, which goes directly into social service programs, public infrastructure,” Ayon said. “There’s a ton of benefits that the region is going to get out of having this highly regulated place.”

Sessions partnered with Kimball Bar and Eatery next door to serve food and drinks at its lounge, supplying 100 jobs in total. It is also driving business in the area.

“We’re drawing people in from outside of the region to come here, and they’ll see neighboring businesses and services in the area, and those businesses around us always see a boost in activity and business,” Ayon said.

Cannabis Journalist Jackie Bryant said Sessions by the Bay is putting San Diego on the map in the cannabis industry.

“I’d be confident calling this probably the best, the best lounge in the state,” Bryant said.

It’s less than ten minutes from the new Gaylord Resort, which could bring in customers year-round.

“I think it’s going to offer locals and tourists alike somewhere where they can just go and enjoy and eat and feel normal while doing something that a lot of people consider extremely normal,” Bryant said.

Sessions by the Bay recommends making a reservation and planning ahead for a safe ride home. 

“I think we’re gonna serve as a model,” Ayon said. “I think other cities are gonna see us and say, ‘Okay, yeah, this actually can work, this is very cool’.”