California Cannabis Cafes with Full Offer from 2025

In Dutch coffeeshops and Spanish cannabis social clubs, it’s possible to buy and consume cannabis in various forms on the premises. In Canada and most US legal states, it is not possible to use cannabis at the point of sale. Such limitations have also included California, the biggest cannabis market in the world, where weed has been legal since 2016. 

California Cannabis Lounges Will Start the New Year with Extra Offer

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new bill on Monday, Sept. 30, which will authorize operators already licensed to sell weed to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages. Operators can additionally host shows and music concerts. Cannabis consumption is also permitted with the measure. The provision is supposed to bump up business for California cannabis lounges and cafes as it takes effect on January 1, 2025. 

California was the first state in the U.S. to ban smoking in cafes and restaurants back in 1995. The new law allows employees in these establishments to wear masks to protect themselves from secondhand smoke. 

One of the main goals of the new law is to attract consumers to the legal market, which is losing billions to illicit drug dealers every year. The black market is thriving in California despite cannabis being legal. It benefits from restrictions imposed on licensed retailers, including the fact that only about 40% of local jurisdictions permit cannabis stores. Legal pot is also more expensive to buy, while taxes can reach 38%, according to reports. 

The new piece of legislation is finally giving something to the regulated cannabis sector. “Right now, our small cannabis businesses are struggling to compete against illegal drug sellers that don’t follow the law or pay taxes,” said a statement from Assemblymember Matt Haney, who authored the bill.

“In order to ensure the legal cannabis market can survive and thrive in California, we have to allow them to adapt, innovate and offer products and experiences that customers want,” he said.  

Cannabis lounges where people can get together and smoke, already exist in California. However, current laws are limiting as business owners can only sell prepackaged food and drinks. And for that you also need a separate license. Some businesses have made alternative arrangements, such as catering food for guests from affiliated restaurants. At least that hurdle will now end with the new regulation. 

“Lots of people want to enjoy legal cannabis in the company of others, and many people want to do that while sipping coffee, eating a sandwich, or listening to music,” said Haney. “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.” 

More on this topic from Soft Secrets:

- New California Bills Include Provisions for Cannabis Cafes