Cannabis Cafes Approved – Dine, Drink, and Get High at Your Table

Tip jar at a cafe

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom signs a bill allowing marijuana dispensaries to serve food and host events, paving the way for Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes.

At a Glance

  • New law allows marijuana dispensaries to sell food, non-alcoholic drinks, and host live events
  • Bill aims to boost California’s $5 billion cannabis industry and combat illegal market
  • Critics raise concerns about public health risks from secondhand marijuana smoke
  • Legislation includes provisions for employee safety and ventilation requirements

California Embraces Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafes

In a move that has raised eyebrows among conservatives, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation paving the way for Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in the Golden State. Starting January 1, marijuana dispensaries will be allowed to sell food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as host live events on their premises. This controversial decision marks a significant shift in California’s approach to cannabis consumption and raises concerns about public health and safety.

The bill, championed by Assemblyman Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), aims to stimulate California’s $5 billion marijuana industry and drive out illegal activity. Supporters argue that these cannabis cafes will create jobs, increase revenue, and attract tourists. However, critics worry about the potential consequences of normalizing public marijuana use and the health risks associated with secondhand smoke.

Public Health Concerns and Worker Safety

The legislation has faced opposition from public health groups, including the American Cancer Society, which cite the dangers of secondhand marijuana smoke. Jim Knox, director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in California, expressed strong reservations about the new law’s implications.

“When the law takes effect, Knox said, Californians will be able to “smoke in a restaurant for the first time in 30 years. That is a big step backward.”

To address these concerns, the bill includes provisions for employee safety, such as requiring employers to provide respirator masks for workers and include secondhand smoke in their injury and illness prevention plans. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient to protect public health and maintain smoke-free environments.

Economic Boost or Public Health Hazard?

Proponents of the bill, including celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg and Bill Maher who own marijuana businesses, view this as a necessary boost for legal shop owners facing high taxes and illegal competition. The United Food and Commercial Workers union has also thrown its support behind the legislation, citing potential job creation and economic benefits.

“Cannabis cafes are going to be a huge part of the future of cannabis in our state and help to beat back the illegal drug market,” said Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), who authored the bill.

However, this enthusiasm is not shared by all. Conservative critics argue that the potential public health risks and societal impacts outweigh any economic benefits. The normalization of marijuana use in public spaces raises concerns about increased drug use, impaired driving, and the message it sends to young people.

A Cautionary Approach

Governor Newsom, who previously vetoed a similar bill due to concerns about smoke-free workplace protections, has emphasized the importance of local governments prioritizing worker safety and public health. In his signing statement, Newsom warned that failure to do so could lead to reconsideration of the law.

“As I stated in my veto message of a similar measure last year, protecting the health and safety of workers is paramount to upholding California’s long-standing smoke-free workplace protections,” Newsom said in a statement.

As California continues to push the boundaries of cannabis legislation, conservatives and public health advocates will be watching closely to see how this experiment unfolds. The success or failure of these cannabis cafes could have far-reaching implications for drug policy across the nation, potentially setting a precedent that other states may follow or avoid. As the January 1 implementation date approaches, the debate over the wisdom of this bold move is sure to intensify.