Cannabis cafes offering food, coffee and live entertainment will soon become a reality in California after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill legalizing marijuana cafes popular in Amsterdam.
Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1775 by Asm. Sen. Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) would authorize cannabis businesses to prepare and sell non-cannabis foods and beverages, as well as sell tickets to live performances.
The bill was approved by lawmakers by a wide margin before heading to the governor's desk, including a final vote of 30-7 in the state Senate and 63-5 in the Assembly.
“Many people want to enjoy legal cannabis in the company of others,” Haney said in a statement, “and many people want to do so while drinking coffee, eating a sandwich, or listening to music. “And now it's finally legal in California.” And there is no question that cannabis cafes bring tremendous economic, cultural, and creative opportunities and benefits to our state. ”
The legalization of cafes comes as the legal cannabis industry faces challenges from competition from the black market. According to Haney's office, legal sales reached $4 billion in 2020, while illegal sales exceeded $8 billion that year.
The lawmaker also argued that the measure could also help the state's downtown areas, which have been struggling due to the pandemic.
“Our downtowns are struggling, and new and innovative businesses, especially in hospitality, nightlife, and the arts, are one of the best ways to revitalize our downtowns. “They should be excited about the culture, tourism, and tourism in our state,” Haney continued.
A similar bill passed the state Legislature last year, but Newsom vetoed it. The new version includes protections for workers exposed to second-hand smoke and was supported by the United Commercial and Food Workers Union.
AB1775 becomes effective January 1, 2025.
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Tim Fang
