New California Bills Include Provisions for Cannabis Cafes
Cannabis cafes may soon become a reality in California. Not that they’re not there. The Golden State does have cannabis lounges all over, but heavy restrictions mean they cannot serve any cooked foods or nice cocktails. A new bill is now pushing its way forward and waits for a signature from California’s governor. If signed into law, it will change the game for recreational consumption venues.
California lawmakers have recently approved Bill AB 1775 that will permit guests in cannabis cafes and lounges to use weed along with taking a meal or having a drink if they’re up for it. The legislation pertains to giving a more cordial aspect to dispensaries.
In addition, lawmakers also approved an accompanying bill to the cannabis cafes proposal, which seeks to allow California small farmers the option to sell their flower directly to consumers at state-organized cannabis markets.
California ‘Cannabis Cafes’ Proposal Comparable to Amsterdam Coffeeshops
Consumption lounges are already permanent in some California dispensaries. You can smoke or vape cannabis on the spot, or try out infused gummies, however, you can’t order anything other than prepackaged snacks and beverages.
The latest proposal passed by lawmakers would ideally create a more pleasant environment for California cannabis users, as legal dispensaries continue to struggle with overregulation, high taxes, and the unceasing competition from the black market.
The model with ‘cannabis cafes’ where users can come in and enjoy real food and drinks along with weed has been compared to Amsterdam coffeeshops, where the consumption of cannabis has been allowed for decades now.
In some places around California, cannabis operators have been creative in finding ways to run their businesses as in a lounge-like style. For instance, cannabis users in West Hollywood can visit many places that feel like going to a restaurant. While fresh food may not be prepared at the same premises where the cannabis business is, food can still be ordered from a partner company or prepared in an adjacent building next door. Yelp does have a list of the most frequented lounge spots in the West Hollywood area.
California Lawmakers Urge Governor to Sign New Cannabis Bills
The two new cannabis bills that should benefit cannabis cafes and small farmers in California have well advanced through the legislature. The bills are now pending a signature from California’s governor Gavin Newsom.
However, Gov. Newsom has often been reluctant when it comes to introducing new drug policies. Although he is a supporter of legal cannabis, it’s unknown how much time the bills will wait at his desk. On the other hand, lawmakers and other industry players have voiced clear statements that regulatory upgrade will be of benefit to legal businesses.
The governor reportedly faces additional pressure to also approve a few other cannabis bills of interest to California weed operators. One such bill seeks to authorize regulators to issue temporary event licenses, which will allow small growers the possibility to sell weed and allow consumption at certain venues with permission from local authorities. More specifically, this proposal is for growers who cultivate less than one acre of cannabis.
In yet another recent legal development, California lawmakers have further given their final blessing on a piece of legislation that should prevent “double taxation” on cannabis businesses. If that proposal is signed into law, local governments will not be able to charge tax money from cannabis businesses; only state taxes will be calculated.
That’s plenty of cannabis-related bills on the governor’s table. But it’s up to the governor to sign them and make life a little easier for legal California cannabis businesses.
Also read on Soft Secrets:
- First Cannabis Lounge Opens in Nevada
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Stephen Andrews
