Pubdate: Fri, 09 Feb 2018
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2018 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact:  http://www.telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509
Author: Cyrus Moulton

MEMBERS-ONLY CANNABIS CLUB OPENS ON WATER STREET IN WORCESTER

WORCESTER - There are board games, an X-Box and snacks for sale.
Members of The Summit Lounge social club are allowed to bring in food
from nearby restaurants.

But that's not all they can bring in.

The Summit Lounge opened Friday as the city's first private club for
those who want a social setting in which to smoke a joint.

But Mr. Moon, 27, of Northbridge, said the goal of the business is not
just to provide people with a place to get high.

The Summit Club, located at 116 Water St. in the Canal District, is a
private, membership association which opened its doors at noon on
Friday. Because it is private, the club can skirt prohibitions related
to smoking in public.

Memberships are available for $50 a month and give access to a club
that is outfitted with tables and a bar made of reclaimed wood from a
barn in East Brookfield, local art and industrial-chic lighting.

The Summit offers a selection of tobacco products to members including
cigars and hookah, and offers glassware available to rent, according
to its website. The club does not sell cannabis nor allow the sale of
cannabis on the premises. The club plans to host events, such as
tastings from local breweries, local artisan exhibits, game nights and
live music.

Friday morning, just before opening, Mr. Moon, his co-owner parents
Lisa and Mark, and brother Jake put the finishing touches on the
2,000-square-foot club in one of Worcester's hippest
neighborhoods.

In fact, Mrs. Moon said that it was difficult to find a landlord
willing to rent to a cannabis-related business. But when the Water
Street location came up, the family jumped.

“In the next five to ten years, this area will be the
hub” of the city, Mr. Moon predicted.

All the Moons also praised the city for helping them get through the
licensing and inspection process.

But the city may not be totally on board with the club.

"The occupant of 116 Water Street (The Summit Lounge) did not disclose
to the city that he would be operating a private club for the purpose
of marijuana consumption," City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. said in
a statement Friday night.

Asked for clarification, city spokesman Michael Vigneux said the club
nevertheless appeared to be operating legally.

Mr. Moon also said the city has not reached out to the business with
any concerns, and he would "gladly field any concerns" the city may
have.

"If there's a loophole it should be closed and all regulatory issues
should be dealt with, as it provides legitimacy to the industry," Mr.
Moon said.

But Friday he was focused on finding members.

Mr. Moon said the club's target demographic is younger professionals
who want an alternative to the bar or nightclub scene. But he said he
has also gotten interest from many medical cannabis users who want a
social space in which to take their dosage.

And with the club, Mr. Moon is looking to change perceptions of
cannabis and its users. A person in recovery who doesn't use
marijuana, Mr. Moon said that his experience has opened his mind to
breaking the stigma of cannabis - and the stigma of who uses cannabis
- - in society.
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MAP posted-by: Matt