On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill allowing licensed cannabis lounges to sell food and hold ticketed events, effectively creating Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes.
These venues will allow patrons to enjoy marijuana while eating in the same establishment, marking a major change for California's cannabis scene, SFGate reported.
SEE ALSO: Governor Newsom's cannabis prohibition order takes effect: Impact on industry, investors, and patients
The state's current law allows individuals to consume cannabis in licensed lounges, but prohibits these businesses from serving food.
The new law eliminates the need for customers to leave the lounge for meals and snacks, creating a more integrated and enjoyable experience.
Celebrities also participate
Celebrities have supported the effort, including actors Whoopi Goldberg, Woody Harrelson and comedian Bill Maher.
“It makes no sense to not allow cannabis lounges to sell food. Right now, it’s harder to get high and eat a sandwich in a lounge than to drive a car in California, but which is more dangerous? ” Maher said in a public statement before signing the bill.
Goldberg and Harrelson run their own cannabis ventures in California and stand to benefit from this legislation, which will undoubtedly provide a boost to the cannabis hospitality industry.
Local control remains a hurdle
While this new law represents progress, there are also pitfalls. That means local governments will have the final say on whether cannabis cafes can open within their jurisdictions.
Cannabis lounges remain prohibited in many parts of the state, limiting where these new social consumption spaces can operate.
For now, there are more than a dozen lounges in cities like San Francisco, West Hollywood and Palm Springs, but it's unclear how quickly other cities will embrace the change.
Ellen Komp, deputy director of California's National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), said the law will go into effect on January 1, but local governments will require additional regulations before lounges can begin serving food. He said it was possible.
Read next:
Market news and data powered by Benzinga API
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
