A new bill introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney could bring the Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes to California. The new bill, AB 374, would permit cannabis consumption lounges to serve non-cannabis infused food and non-alcoholic beverages and also allow them to sell tickets for live musical or other performances. The bill aims to provide a full range of restaurant-style food and drinks to cannabis consumers in a social setting, similar to wine bars and brewpubs but without alcohol.
“Many people want to consume cannabis socially while having a sandwich or listening to music,” said Haney. “We should allow that.”
While WeHo and a few other California cities already have cannabis “smoking lounges,” the only thing available for consumption is cannabis. The new bill would allow for a full range of food and drink options for consumers. However, the sale of both marijuana and alcohol under the same roof or premises is not allowed and will not change under the new bill.
Some dispensaries with smoking lounges have hosted events such as drag and comedy shows, but they lack proper food and beverage services. The Woods and Artistry operate two of the consumption lounges in WeHo.
Despite the potential for cannabis tourism and revenue, the regulations and costs involved with converting consumption lounges to food and beverage service may discourage cannabis retailers from pursuing this option.
Assemblymember Matt Haney’s bill offers a new opportunity for the legal marijuana industry, but only time will tell if California’s cannabis retailers will embrace this new venture.
[…] consumption lounges beyond smoking or vaping to include other forms of consumption, such as edibles and drinks. This could involve the development of lounges that offer a restaurant or bar-like experience, […]
We haven’t learned what Amsterdam has learned that these are no good for communities. And this whole, no serving alcohol… That’s just for now once the door is open… We all know where it leads.
Of course they should serve food! Had no idea they didn’t (non-cannabis infused). Just like many bars should! It is a public safety issue. I’m surprised that the lounges aren’t allowed to, already. And how does a lounge even pay their lease, w/o serving food or alcohol? On SMB? I have some real “pot head” friends, who can consume a lot, but its not like ordering a meal, or 3 or 4 drinks. They must charge out the a** for their pot. I don’t understand the business model, even remotely. I can walk two blocks, get my pot at one… Read more »