Deep Dive: California considers legalizing cannabis cafes to help struggling marijuana industry

Image: Forbes Website

A California lawmaker introduced a bill to allow marijuana shops to serve food and beverages and host live music events like cannabis coffeeshops in Amsterdam.

At these cafes, consumers can purchase food and nonalcoholic beverages along with their cannabis products.

Below is a breakdown.

1. Do You Want Fries with that Dab?

Assemblymember Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, introduced a new bill on February 1 with the aim of permitting marijuana shops to offer not just cannabis products but also food, drinks, and live music events to their customers.

In California, there are some cannabis lounges located mainly in San Francisco and Oakland. However, they are currently restricted to providing only cannabis-based products and are not permitted to serve any additional items.

2. No Pilsner with your Joint.

The proposed bill aims to grant local businesses, such as cannabis shops, and cannabis lounges, the ability to operate like bars or pubs.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that the sale of alcohol would still remain prohibited under this legislation. Local authorities would be in charge of regulating these businesses, enforcing licensing and other requirements.

3. High Flying Events

The bill also allows for temporary event licenses for on-site cannabis sales and consumption at events. However, these events must comply with regulations set by the department. If these regulations are not followed, the department could impose a fine.

In an interview with the San Francisco-based media organization KQED, Haney said that many people desire to legally consume cannabis with others while enjoying coffee, food, and music, and there is no valid reason for the state to ban these activities.

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In the past, there have been two unsuccessful attempts to legalize so-called cannabis cafes that can serve food in California's state Legislature. Officials, however, believe that this current bill has better prospects for success. This is partly due to local officials in cities such as San Francisco who support the bill and want to allow cannabis cafes.

Read More: California considers legalizing cannabis cafes to help struggling marijuana industry (Los Angeles TImes)