California – In a recent move, the California Assembly passed AB-1775 with a vote of 58-6, a bill that could reshape the landscape of cannabis consumption and sales in the state. This legislation, designed to introduce what some people are calling “Amsterdam-style” cannabis consumption lounges, aims to offer a more integrated and enjoyable experience for cannabis enthusiasts.
The bill would permit licensed cannabis retailers to prepare and sell non-cannabis food and beverages, host live music and performances, and create a more vibrant social scene centered around cannabis use. However, it is important to note that the journey to legalization is far from over, as the bill must still pass through the State Senate and gain the approval of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Assembly Bill 1775 is an attempt to shift California’s approach to cannabis regulation. Introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), the bill seeks to level the playing field for the state’s legal cannabis industry, which faces steep competition from the “illicit market”.
By allowing cannabis cafés to sell food and beverages and host live events, the bill aims to attract more customers to licensed establishments and provide a safer, more regulated environment for cannabis consumption.
Key Features of AB 1775
The proposed legislation includes several key provisions designed to enhance the cannabis consumption lounge experience while addressing public health and safety concerns:
- Non-Cannabis Food and Beverages: Licensed cannabis retailers would be allowed to prepare and sell non-cannabis food and beverages, creating a more comprehensive and enjoyable experience for patrons.
- Live Music and Performances: The bill permits cannabis consumption lounges to host live music and other performances, adding an entertainment dimension to the cannabis experience. This move is expected to foster a more vibrant social scene and attract a diverse clientele.
- Health and Safety Regulations: To address concerns about secondhand smoke and workplace safety, the bill includes strict regulations on where cannabis can be consumed within these establishments. Smoking or vaping cannabis would be prohibited in areas where food is prepared or stored, creating a clear separation between consumption and non-consumption spaces.
- Local Jurisdiction Control: Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution, the bill allows local jurisdictions to decide whether to permit cannabis consumption lounges. This approach gives communities the flexibility to tailor regulations to their specific needs and preferences.
- No Hemp: Does not authorize a licensed retailer or microbusiness to prepare or sell industrial hemp or products containing industrial hemp.
Governor Newsom’s Previous Veto
It is worth noting that Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year, citing concerns about California’s long-standing smoke-free workplace protections. In his veto message, Newsom emphasized the importance of maintaining a smoke-free environment for workers and patrons alike.
Assemblymember Haney has worked to address these concerns by including amendments in AB 1775 that create clear separations between smoking areas and food preparation spaces. Despite these changes, opposition from public health organizations remains strong.
Public Health Concerns
Various public health organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association, have voiced their opposition to AB 1775. These groups argue that the bill could undermine decades of progress in creating smoke-free environments and reintroduce harmful workplace conditions.
Director Autumn J. Ogden-Smith said via Newsweek: “Banning workers from smoking while cooking food was not the concern. We were concerned with expanding the workforce where there was going to be smoking because there is no way to ventilate out the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. We never anticipated that they would be smoking while preparing food. That is already illegal under California’s Smoke-free Workplace Law.
“We oppose this legislation because we believe that it reverses the state’s decades-long commitment to smoke-free air by undermining the state’s smoke-free restaurant law. Allowing food and beverages in cannabis lounges makes them restaurants, and restaurants have been smoke-free in California for nearly 30 years.”
Support for Legal Cannabis Businesses
Despite the opposition, supporters of AB-1775 argue that the bill is essential for supporting California’s legal cannabis industry. The legal market faces significant challenges, including high taxation and stringent regulations, which make it difficult to compete with the “illicit market”. By allowing cannabis consumption lounges to diversify their offerings and create more attractive experiences for customers, proponents believe the bill will help legitimate businesses thrive.
Haney emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses in the legal cannabis market, stating, “This is a bill that supports our legal small businesses that just want to diversify their businesses and do the right thing. The illicit illegal market is continuing to grow and thrive, while our legal cannabis market is struggling.”
The passage of AB 1775 by the California Assembly marks a significant step toward the potential legalization of cannabis consumption lounges in the state. By allowing licensed retailers to sell non-cannabis food and beverages and host live events, the bill aims to create a more dynamic and enjoyable cannabis experience for consumers.
While the bill faces opposition from public health organizations and must still gain approval from the State Senate and Governor Newsom, it represents a promising development for the state’s legal cannabis industry. For cannabis enthusiasts, the potential for “Amsterdam-style” cafés in California offers an exciting glimpse into the future of cannabis culture and community.
