Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Moon .
Kyle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m not even sure where to start; there’s just so much to say. When I was a child, I grew up close to my uncle, who was part of a private social club. As a result, I spent a good portion of my childhood there with him and the atmosphere really drew me in. It was so nice being surrounded by people who all had a common bond. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by an amazing family in an amazing home. My father and grandfather were always very passionate people, and as a result, I’ve found myself drawn to others who are passionate as well. I learned the meaning of hard work through watching my father and grandfather, as they’re the epitome of blue collar workers; they taught me actions speak louder than words.
I was in high school when I first found cannabis and I immediately fell in love with the plant and how it brought all sorts of people together. Unfortunately, I also fell in love with other substances. After a long and difficult road, I am proud to say I was able to find recovery at the age of twenty-two… I was twenty-two with my whole life ahead of me and I had no idea what direction I wanted to go in. I found myself working in the field of recovery, where I was able to hear others discussing their stories; people in similar situations to mine who all saw issues with our system and knew that we desperately needed change. Eventually, through my advocacy, I found myself working for the Department of Public Health in Boston. This position enabled me to help create infrastructure to help young people achieve recovery.
It was right around this time my brother became a medical cannabis patient in order to stay away from the narcotics he was prescribed. Through him becoming a patient, we discovered many issues with the emerging medical marijuana program. This inspired him to get involved in the Cannabis Industry in order to fix as many problems as he could. In 2016, my brother asked for my help in researching communities ravaged with addiction and how we could utilize Cannabis to help them with their recovery. As someone in recovery myself, I was initially hesitant, but after reading stories of those who’d successfully used Cannabis, I realized this could truly change lives. Cannabis could be the safe alternative to many other medically assisted treatments.
My brother went to a conference in Colorado where he discovered an issue many people visiting the area had- He had no place to medicate. He was now in an area with recreational Cannabis and still had difficulty using his medicine and avoiding the stigmas associated with Cannabis. After searching, he found a private smoking lounge that enabled him to use his medicine in a safe and non-stigmatized environment. Once he returned to Massachusetts, he realized the same problem existed here. There was no safe, judgement free zone for Cannabis users to safely consume cannabis; despite many users having lifelong illnesses and diseases.
Through my work with the recovery community, and my own personal experiences, I know that the best way to hinder these stigmas is by letting people know they aren’t alone. We need to create a safe place for cannabis consumers; where they can come together and celebrate who they are, meet others like them, and grow as a community. That is what inspired the birth of Summit Lounge. Although there is still much work to be done, my family has once again shown me that hard work can accomplish anything.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Its had been a journey; not good or bad, just taking the entire experience one step at a time. I feel nothing worth doing is going to be easy, especially doing something no one has done before. We are truly in uncharted territories. Some of the biggest struggles we have face as an organization are trying to navigate the patch work of regulations the state and cities have set up for the cannabis industry, as well as combating the negative stigmas associated with cannabis use. When we first opened, I feel my character was called into question and I took that rather hard. But I knew what I was doing was the right thing for the community as a whole and had to push forward and challenge the negative images many people have of cannabis consumers. All the negative press and remarks from officials did take a toll on me in a negative way initially. Five months later and we are still going strong and doing nothing but growing. i feel like there will always be people can’t see the vision you are trying to create, but at the end of the day it’s not for them to see; it’s for you to show them.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I could tell you all about The Summit Lounge, but it’s private so you’d have to join to have the full experience. I will say this much- We are most notably known for the on site consumption of cannabis, but we are so much more than just that. We are a safe place for people who have been ostracized and stigmatized by society. We enable them to consume cannabis and feel welcome. We are a place where people can meet like minded Individuals with similar social interests. The thing I’m most proud of is when I see to people who would never have met and have nothing In common except their love for cannabis. The Summit Lounge enables them to come together and share stories and connect on a personal level.
What were you like growing up?
I was the kid in school who was always somewhere else. We used to go on a lot of vacations as a family and I love to go somewhere new and spend time with my brother and parents. I have always loved the outdoors, playing in the woods, and being involved with nature in general. That has been one of the biggest themes throughout my life. Whether it was hiking, cliff jumping, or any outdoor activity- it has always been such a huge part of who I am as a person. I believe spending time in the outdoors is one of the best things you can do. Having been able to spend so much time there has really shaped me into the person I am today. I believe that it has given me the ability to look at obstacles and challenges differently and as a result, see a bigger picture than my own problems and challenges.
Pricing:
- Membership is $15 Per month and a $5 use fee at the door.
- Guest are allowed in for $15 per day
Contact Info:
- Address: 116 Water St Worcester Ma.
- Website: www.thesummitprivatelounge.com
- Phone: 774-420-2261
- Email: info@thesummitprivatelounge.com
- Instagram:@the_summitlounge
- Facebook:@thesummitprivatelounge
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