Gov. Newsom Signs Measure Legalizing Cannabis Cafes In California

SACRAMENTO, CA – A landmark bill to make cannabis cafes legal in California has been signed into law by the state’s Governor Gavin Newsom, CBS News reports.

Assembly Bill 1775, sponsored by Assemblyman Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), will take effect Jan. 1, 2025 after being passed 30-7 in the state Senate and 63-5 in the Assembly.  It authorizes cannabis businesses to prepare and sell non-cannabis foods and beverages along with selling tickets to live performances.

“Lots of people want to enjoy legal cannabis in the company of others,” Haney said, “And many people want to do that while sipping coffee, eating a sandwich, or listening to music. That is now finally legal in California and there’s no doubt that cannabis cafes will bring massive economic, cultural and creative opportunities and benefits to our state.”

He added that the cafes can provide an economic boost to businesses in downtown areas.

“Our downtowns are struggling, and new, innovative businesses, especially in hospitality, nightlife and the arts, are among the best ways to reinvigorate them. California should be excited for the jobs, culture, and tourism that cannabis cafes are going to bring to our state,” Haney said.

He noted that the cannabis cafes in the Netherlands now number over 700 and generate over $1 billion each year in tourist revenue, while also pulling cannabis business away from the black market.  He said the impact could be similar in California, where illegal sales amounted to over $8 billion last year while legal sales were at $4 billon.

Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year over concerns that food workers and patrons could face health risks after being exposed to secondhand smoke.  The new measure stipulates that, if cities choose to impose ventilation standards as a condition for a permit, the systems must be powerful enough to prevent “smoke and odors from migrating to any other part of the building hosting the consumption lounge or any neighboring building or grounds.”

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