The California legislature has passed a bill facilitating the establishment of public recreational “cafés” where individuals can consume cannabis alongside other amenities such as food, coffee, and live entertainment. The bill, known as Assembly Bill 374, is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval.
The current regulations permit adults to use cannabis at dispensaries but restrict them from selling non-cannabis-infused products such as coffee or pastries. The new legislation, if signed into law by Governor Newsom, would empower cities and counties to amend this rule.
The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, a Democrat from San Francisco.
Haney noted that the bill could potentially aid cannabis businesses facing challenges such as market oversaturation, high taxation, and competition from the black market. According to data from Haney’s office, the legal cannabis market in California garnered $4 billion in sales in 2020, a figure overshadowed by the estimated earnings from illegal sales, which reportedly exceeded double the amount of legal sales.
West Hollywood already has cannabis lounges in operation. The bill seeks to encourage more cities and counties to adopt this model, potentially revitalizing the struggling cannabis sector and positioning California as a global leader in the cannabis industry, according to KTLA.
While Governor Newsom has not yet disclosed his stance on the bill, it has garnered considerable support in both legislative chambers, securing a 33 to 3 vote in the State Senate and a 66 to 9 vote in the Assembly.
I would not listen to any ideas coming from representatives from San Francisco. They’ve destroyed that city and we should not be following in their footsteps.
Why do we need this? It’s embarrassing to live in the state of California.
California representing the bottom of cultural evolution.