Sonoma County marijuana users can now enjoy a unique experience at the newly opened Mercy Wellness Lounge in Cotati. This lounge is the first of its kind in the North Bay, allowing customers to purchase and legally consume cannabis products on-site, a significant change from traditional dispensary operations.
The lounge officially opened its doors at 3 p.m. on Thursday, with Sydney Comora being the first in line. Moments later, she was comfortably seated in a club chair, enjoying a joint while a DJ played reggae music. Comora described her experience as she relaxed in the vibrant atmosphere, saying, “This is the best place ever,” while celebrating her 30th birthday with her sister.
Mercy Wellness is the first cannabis retailer in Sonoma County to take advantage of a 2024 state law, Assembly Bill 1775, which permits dispensaries to serve hot food and nonalcoholic drinks. This allows for a more social and club-like environment reminiscent of Amsterdam’s cannabis culture. The lounge could serve as a bright spot for California’s struggling marijuana industry, which has faced challenges such as high taxes, costly permits, strict regulations, and a persistent black market.
Brandon Levine, founder and CEO of Mercy Wellness, envisions the 9,500-square-foot lounge as a destination for those seeking an immersive social experience. He expressed his long-held dream of creating a space where cannabis consumption is normalized. Levine has a history in the cannabis sector, having opened the first Mercy Wellness medical marijuana dispensary in 2010 and expanding into cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution in Sonoma County.
The lounge’s interior is designed with a nightclub ambiance, featuring ten chandeliers, stylish furniture, a stage, and a high-quality sound system. Comora noted that she appreciates the safe environment the lounge provides, especially since she does not drink alcohol. Levine, who also chooses not to drink, stated that many patrons enjoy having a venue where alcohol is not the main focus.
During its “Early Access” soft launch, the Mercy Wellness Lounge is open Thursday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., with plans to extend hours after completing a 6,000-square-foot patio. While cannabis smoking lounges have been available since 2018, the recent legislation enables businesses like Levine’s to host live events, including music shows, sports viewing parties, and more, which Levine considers a significant development. Upcoming events include comedy shows, DJs, and food offerings from local caterers such as Galvan’s Eatery and War Pigs BBQ.
The journey to opening the lounge has been complex. Mahavir, a 79-year-old from Lake County, stumbled upon the opening and expressed excitement about enjoying music and cannabis in a social setting, recalling a time before legalization when stigma was prevalent.
Levine highlighted the challenges he faced in bringing the project to fruition, stating that establishing a cannabis lounge in Sonoma County required extensive education for himself and local officials. He emphasized that navigating the unknowns of setting up a business model that didn’t previously exist was a significant hurdle over the past five years.
Concerns about impaired drivers leaving the lounge remain, but Levine and his team are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all patrons.
