California Cannabis Cafes Bill Would Allow Live Performances, Food and Drink

According to the Los Angeles Times, the measure that would legalize cannabis cafes in California has provisions that would permit live performances in cannabis-friendly clubs as well as the serving of food and non-alcoholic beverages there. Municipalities would have to agree to the bill in order to approve the cafés and establish their own rules.

The bill’s proponent, Assemblyman Matt Haney (D), asserted that legalizing cannabis cafés is essential for the state’s regulated cannabis business “to exist.” He called the establishments operating under the present regulations, which permit on-site use but prohibit the sale of food or beverages, “very terrible places.” “They’re losing to the illegal cannabis industry, and one thing that the legal cannabis small business can offer is an experience. Cannabis businesses told us that they may have to close their doors unless the laws change. The regulations that prohibit them from offering other products like food are a huge burden.” — Haney via the Times Some California businesses have found workarounds to the current laws. In West Hollywood, at the Artist Tree Dispensary & Weed Delivery on Santa Monica Boulevard, cannabis-consuming customers can gather at the second-floor lounge as if dining at a restaurant and order food from Fresh Corn Grill, a restaurant that has a deal with the Artist Tree. Lauren Fontein, a co-owner of the Artist Tree, told the Times the setup mimics “the experience of being in a restaurant” even though they don’t sell customers food. The bill has not yet been sent to a legislative committee but a note attached to the measure indicates it could be heard by a House panel next month.