California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved a new law allowing Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes to operate in the Golden State. Under Assembly Bill 1775, cities and counties can allow existing cannabis retailers and consumption lounges to diversify their operations beyond being solely permitted to sell cannabis products. (Previous coverage in the video above.) In this case, cannabis retailers could sell non-cannabis edibles and non-alcoholic beverages, according to a fact sheet from the bill's author, Rep. Matt Haney (D-San Francisco). It becomes like this. Cannabis retailers can also host live performances. SF GATE reported that Newsom signed the bill shortly after celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Woody Harrelson, and Bill Maher urged him to sign it. Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Harrelson own cannabis businesses that could be profitable. The American Cancer Society had urged Newsom to veto the bill, saying it conflicts with Proposition 64, which bans smoking marijuana in places where smoking tobacco products is prohibited. The group cited California's role in becoming the first state in the county to ban smoking in many indoor public places. The Governor's Office announced that the provisions of this bill will become effective on January 1, 2025. “There's no reason why local governments can't start moving now by approving cannabis licensing ordinances,” said Dale Gillinger, director of the advocacy group Cal NORML. Meanwhile, Newsom vetoed another cannabis bill passed by Congress, AB 1111. The bill would allow cannabis farmers to obtain licenses to sell their products to consumers at sanctioned cannabis events. This only occurs in local governments that have authorized such events. The bill, authored by Rep. Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz), aims to build on existing law that would allow marijuana sales at this year's California State Fair. Under current law, only licensed retailers can obtain the necessary licenses to sell cannabis products at temporary events like fairs. See more top California news stories | Download the app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved a new law allowing Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes to operate in the Golden State.
Under Assembly Bill 1775, cities and counties can allow existing cannabis retailers and consumption lounges to diversify their operations beyond being solely permitted to sell cannabis products.
(Previous coverage of the video above.)
This would allow cannabis retailers to sell non-cannabis foods and non-alcoholic beverages, according to a fact sheet from the bill's author, Rep. Matt Haney (D-San Francisco). Cannabis retailers can also host live performances.
SF GATE reported that Newsom signed the bill shortly after celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Woody Harrelson, and Bill Maher urged him to sign it. Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Harrelson own cannabis businesses that could be profitable.
The American Cancer Society had urged Newsom to veto the bill, saying it conflicts with Proposition 64, which prohibits smoking marijuana in places where smoking tobacco products is prohibited.
The group cited California's role in becoming the first state in the county to ban smoking in many indoor public places.
The governor's office announced that the bill's provisions will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
“There's no reason why local governments can't start moving now by approving ordinances to license cannabis cafes at that time,” said Dale Gillinger, director of the advocacy group Cal NORML.
Meanwhile, Newsom vetoed another cannabis bill passed by Congress, AB 1111.
The bill would allow cannabis farmers to obtain a license to sell their products to consumers at sanctioned cannabis events. This only occurs in local governments that have authorized such events.
The bill, authored by Rep. Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz), aims to build on existing law that would allow marijuana sales at this year's California State Fair.
Under current law, only licensed retailers can obtain the necessary licenses to sell cannabis products at temporary events like fairs.
See more top California news stories | Download the app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
