Oceans Dispensary & Lounge: Riding High on Waves of Positivity

By Dianne Armitage

Sydney, Australia native Monna Sanner has only been in the United States for five years, but this woman is not only a force of nature, she’s trying to bring nature and its healing powers to one and all. This is no small feat for someone now calling Lompoc, California home.

Long considered a conservative stronghold, Lompoc is also home to the Vandenberg Space Force Base, a Federal Correctional Institution, the Lompoc Murals, flower growers, old neon signs, and a multitude of cannabis dispensaries. Monna knew she had her work cut out for her, but like so many other places these days, Lompoc’s political climate is becoming what is called moderately liberal.

No stranger to challenges, Monna utilized her hard-earned prior work experience to set up Oceans Dispensary & Lounge, sharing, “In 2019 I was approached by a cannabis company to join them as their CEO to help them get their business off the ground. Before coming to the U.S. I worked for Qantas Airways for more than 30 years in various roles, all of which

combined have given me the expertise I needed to start my own business.” Once she was able to help the cannabis company become successful, Monna knew she was ready.

When asked if she had a sort of template for starting her business, Monna says, “Everything I do is evaluated in advance, but I also take some very serious risks. I knew what I had to do, so I just got into it and did it. Having the previous experience was really like taking it from one store to the next and getting that up and running.”

Another element adding to both the complexity of her quest and her commitment is the reality that Monna has been battling cancer for the past 25 years. “In Australia, cannabis is still illegal. The medical side of it has only surfaced in the past two years. When I arrived in the U.S. I had just had a major surgery and I needed painkillers, but I wanted to avoid drugs. I avoided chemo and radiation, so I’m not about to pump myself with painkillers to help me along. The cannabis products on the market, when used correctly, are so helpful in relieving pain, aches, and even some symptoms. I’m currently in my fourth fight with cancer. A year ago I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer that has metastasized to every possible part of my body.”

She continues, “That was in April of 2022. They gave me three months to get my affairs in order and said I would not make it without chemo and radiation. Well, I took my chances, changed a lot of things in my diet, took a whole bunch of natural herbs and vitamins, and used cannabis to help me sleep through the pain. I’m still here!”

Monna believes Oceans thrives because of her amazing team and her husband. “We hold smoke sessions and invite the public to come along and sample so they can give us their feedback. My staff also get samples from stores that want to be on our shelves, so they try it before we engage with them. I read a ton of reviews online, check out what the other stores are selling that may be of interest – and start my homework that way. Customer feedback is always the best!”

Because patrons are partaking of cannabis products when Oceans Dispensary & Lounge holds events, her staff is well versed in Duty of Care. During events, they pay close attention to how each person is dealing with their consumption, so no one is in danger of overindulging or leaving impaired.

Because patrons are partaking of cannabis products when Oceans Dispensary & Lounge holds events, her staff is well versed in Duty of Care. During events, they pay close attention to how each person is dealing with their consumption, so no one is in danger of overindulging or leaving impaired.

Monna’s favorite part of owning her business is the customers. “I love their faces and comments when we are able to help them and they return. Seeing returning customers is just the best part of my day. The other part is my staff. They are like my own family. Watching them thrive in a town like Lompoc, gives me some purpose to stay alive and keep the fight going!”

Oceans Dispensary & Lounge is located at 1101 E. Ocean Ave. in Lompoc, CA. The phone number is 805-742-8787, and the website is oceanssb.com.

Monna Sanner, CEO, Oceans Dispensary & Lounge