California Legalizes Cannabis Cafes Amid Hemp THC Ban
California has taken a significant step towards normalizing cannabis use by allowing cannabis retailers to open cafes where customers can consume cannabis on-site while enjoying non-cannabis infused food and beverages. The new law, Assembly Bill 1775, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and will take effect next year.
Under the new legislation, licensed cannabis retailers and microbusinesses can sell non-cannabis food and beverages, host live events, and sell tickets at their licensed locations. This move is modeled after Amsterdam’s cannabis cafes, aiming to help cannabis businesses diversify and compete by expanding their offerings.
However, the law comes with some restrictions. It prohibits the sale of products containing industrial hemp and restricts cannabis use to those 21 and over, with proper ventilation required. The legislation also includes a provision ensuring employees are informed about the risks of secondhand smoke and allowed to wear masks.
Despite the new law, critics have expressed concerns that it could normalize public smoking and benefit the tobacco industry. Jim Knox, managing director of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, voiced strong disappointment with the decision, stating that it prioritizes the marijuana industry’s interests over public health.
In a separate move, Governor Newsom has enacted an emergency ban on all hemp THC products in California, citing concerns that lax regulations allowed minors to access intoxicating products. The ban will remain in effect until March 2025 while lawmakers refine regulations.
The debate over the legal definition and regulation of intoxicating hemp products has been ongoing, with some cannabis companies seeking to close a loophole in the 2018 farm bill and the hemp industry advocating for stricter safety regulations instead. Lawmakers are split on the issue, which is set to be a key topic in the upcoming farm bill.
