California Gov. Newsom signs bill to allow Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved a new law allowing Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes to operate in the Golden State. Under Assembly Bill 1775, cities and counties can allow existing cannabis retailers and consumption lounges to diversify their businesses beyond only being allowed to sell cannabis products. (Previous coverage in video above.)In this case, the cannabis retailer will be able to sell non-cannabis food and non-alcoholic drinks, according to a fact sheet by the bill’s author, Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco). Cannabis retailers can also hold live performances. SF GATE reported that Newsom signed the bill soon after celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher advocated for him to do so. Goldberg and Harrelson own cannabis businesses that could benefit. The American Cancer Society had urged Newsom to veto the bill, saying that it conflicted with Proposition 64, which bans smoking marijuana where smoking tobacco products are prohibited. The group cited California’s role in becoming the first state in the county to ban smoking at many indoor public places. The governor’s office said the bill’s provisions take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Dale Gieringer, director of the advocacy group Cal NORML, said, “There’s no reason that local governments can’t start the ball rolling now by approving ordinances to license cannabis cafes as of then.”Meanwhile, Newsom vetoed another cannabis bill that passed the Legislature, AB 1111.That bill would have allowed cannabis farmers to obtain a license that would permit them to sell their products to consumers at licensed cannabis events. This would only happen in local jurisdictions that have authorized such events. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz), was aimed at building on an existing law that allowed the selling of cannabis at this year’s California State Fair. Under current law, only licensed retailers are allowed to get the licenses needed to sell cannabis products at temporary events like the fair. See more coverage of top California stories here ]] California Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved a new law allowing Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes to operate in the Golden State. Read More