As California’s cannabis industry continues to grow, the idea of Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes is now becoming a reality. This movement received a major boost in September 2024, when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1775, legalizing cannabis cafes in the state. This bill will allow licensed cannabis lounges to serve non-cannabis food and beverages, along with hosting ticketed events. But behind the scenes, several high-profile celebrities advocated fiercely for this legislation.
Celebrity Backing for Cannabis Cafes
Leading the charge was Woody Harrelson, a well-known actor and longtime cannabis advocate. Harrelson owns The Woods, a marijuana lounge in West Hollywood, and has been vocal about how the existing laws—prohibiting lounges from serving food or hosting events—were crippling the industry. In a video posted on Instagram, Harrelson urged Governor Newsom to “do the right thing” and sign the bill, which would allow lounges like his to serve food and provide entertainment, creating a more integrated experience for consumers.
Harrelson wasn’t alone in this effort. Comedian Bill Maher and actress Whoopi Goldberg, both of whom are heavily involved in cannabis advocacy, also pushed for the bill’s passing. Goldberg, who co-founded a cannabis company focused on wellness products, emphasized the importance of the bill in helping the industry grow and overcome some of the regulatory burdens placed on cannabis businesses.
Source: Marijuana Moment, 420 Intel
What the Bill Means for California’s Cannabis Industry
The passage of this bill is expected to have a significant impact on California’s cannabis industry, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Palm Springs, where consumption lounges already exist. Previously, customers could consume cannabis in these lounges, but they were required to leave the premises to buy food or drinks elsewhere. This bill now allows them to enjoy both cannabis and food in the same space, creating a more social environment.
The bill also opens the door for lounges to host ticketed events, such as live performances or educational workshops, further boosting revenue for cannabis businesses. In a statement, Assemblymember Matt Haney, who authored the bill, noted that this is a critical step forward in supporting small cannabis businesses and ensuring that California remains a leader in cannabis tourism.
However, local governments will still have the authority to decide whether to allow cannabis cafes in their jurisdictions, meaning that the rollout of these cafes may vary across the state.
Source: CaNORML
The Future of Cannabis Cafes
The legalization of cannabis cafes in California is expected to boost the state’s cannabis hospitality industry. With the new legislation taking effect in January 2025, cities that choose to embrace these cafes will likely see an influx of tourists and local consumers eager to experience a more relaxed and social approach to cannabis consumption.
This bill marks a significant shift in how cannabis is consumed legally in California and could serve as a model for other states considering similar legislation. As the U.S. moves toward broader cannabis legalization, the success of these cannabis cafes could pave the way for more social consumption spaces across the country.
Final Thoughts
The advocacy efforts of celebrities like Woody Harrelson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bill Maher have played a pivotal role in pushing this legislation forward. Their involvement underscores the growing mainstream acceptance of cannabis and its potential as a driver of economic growth and social engagement in California. With the passage of this bill, the state is poised to take cannabis consumption to a whole new level, blending it with entertainment, food, and tourism to create a unique cultural experience.
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