Sacramento, CA – October 31, 2024 – Sacramento Cannabis Equity Businesses are voicing their support of a proposal to introduce consumption lounges attached to cannabis dispensaries. The City Council is set to vote on a pilot program on November 19, 2024, a decision that holds significant implications for the culture and community in California Cannabis.
The proposal under consideration includes whether these consumption lounges will permit only ingestibles or will also allow inhalants. This decision is crucial, as small changes in regulations can pose considerable challenges for small business owners, who are often less equipped to adapt quickly compared to larger corporations.
Safety remains a top concern for council members, and public health is also of concern to cannabis advocates who point to successful models in cities like San Francisco, where consumption lounges have operated for years with stringent air filtration systems. These systems have created a safer environment for patrons and staff, addressing public health concerns and allowing adults safe places to consume. “Legalization without consumption is REcriminalization” says Isaac A of Eleven 11 Distro.
“Introducing consumption lounges is a step towards normalizing cannabis use and integrating it into the social fabric of Sacramento,” said Nina Parks of the Equity Trade Network, an organization that has been helping advocate for equitable ecosystems. “It’s vital that these lounges are inclusive of all forms of consumption to provide safe places and to serve the diverse community and support local businesses in Sacramento.”
The Sacramento Cannabis Equity Businesses urge the council to consider the broader benefits of a comprehensive policy that includes both ingestibles and inhalants. The introduction of consumption lounges would create new economic opportunities, foster healing through community togetherness, and provide safe spaces for cannabis consumers that are consenting adults.
As the vote approaches, Sacramento Cannabis Equity Businesses encourage community members to voice their support for the proposed pilot program and ensure that small businesses are not left behind in the evolving cannabis landscape.
For more information, please contact:
Ishaq Ali
Equity Trade Network
This press release aims to inform stakeholders and the general public about the upcoming vote and its implications for local cannabis businesses.