California Legalizes Cannabis Cafes with Food Service

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1775, allowing cannabis lounges to serve nonalcoholic food and drinks and host live events, effectively creating cannabis cafes similar to those in Amsterdam. This legislation, which takes effect on January 1, 2024, aims to enhance the social experience surrounding cannabis consumption and bolster the state's legal cannabis industry amidst competition from the black market. Despite concerns over health risks related to secondhand smoke, the bill includes protections for workers, such as allowing them to wear respiratory masks and requiring education on smoke risks. The bill was supported by notable celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg and Bill Maher, who own cannabis businesses and advocated for its passage. Public health advocates, however, have criticized the law, arguing it undermines existing smoke-free regulations and could jeopardize public health. Local governments will have the discretion to permit these cafes, and the law is viewed as a crucial step in revitalizing California's nightlife and economy.