California legislation that would legalize Amsterdam-stye marijuana cafés has reached the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Assembly Bill 1775, approved by the Assembly 58 to 6 and by the Senate 30 to 7, would “authorize a local jurisdiction, if specified conditions are met, to allow for the preparation or sale of noncannabis food or beverage products, as specified, by a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed, and to allow, and to sell tickets for, live musical or other performances on the premises of a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed.”
Currently, California law prohibits cannabis consumption lounges from selling freshly prepared food, a restriction many consider unnecessary. A November 2022 rule change permitted lounges to offer prepackaged food and beverages, but the sale of freshly made food or ready-to-drink beverages remains prohibited.
The measure has officially reached the desk of Governor Newsom, who has until September 30 to decide whether to sign it into law, or veto it. If Newsom takes no action by October 1, the proposal will take effect by default.
Last year Governor Newsom vetoed a similar bill. However, Rep. Haney remains optimistic, stating that the governor has indicated “there’s a path forward” for this version of the bill to become law.
For the full text of the measure, click here.
