Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes are coming to California.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1775, authored by Asm. Matt Haney (D–San Francisco), to legalize the cafes.
The big picture: Under AB 1775, cannabis dispensaries will now be allowed to sell non-cannabis-infused food.
- Such cafes are popular throughout Amsterdam, with cafes in the Netherlands often selling cannabis, food and coffee and have live music.
Flashback: Last year Newsom vetoed a previous version of AB 1775, pushing for more protections for cannabis workers in the bill.
- Haney reintroduced the bill this year with the support of the United Commercial and Food Workers with language protecting cannabis lounge workers from secondhand smoke impacts at work.
- The bill passed through the Senate on a 30-7 vote and the Assembly on a 63-5 vote.
What we’re watching: AB 1775 will take effect at the start of the new year.
What they’re saying: “Lots of people want to enjoy legal cannabis in the company of others,” Haney said in a statement, “And many people want to do that while sipping coffee, eating a sandwich, or listening to music. That is now finally legal in California and there’s no doubt that cannabis cafes will bring massive economic, cultural and creative opportunities and benefits to our state. California is once again leading the way in supporting legal, safe cannabis businesses and culture.”
