Cannabis Cafes Could be Coming Soon to California with New Bill

By: Buz Deliere | February 7, 2023

California could soon be home to "coffee shops" modeled after Amsterdam's famed cannabis cafes, following the introduction of a bill aiming to make this happen. The proposed regulation would create new opportunities for people in California looking to enjoy their favorite foods and bands while partaking in recreational marijuana use.

Music, munchies, and marijuana! On Monday, Assembly Member Matt Haney unveiled a groundbreaking bill that could transform the cannabis retail experience by enabling weed shops to offer food, coffee, and live music events. A new era of recreational marijuana is blossoming in California!

Struggling cannabis businesses may soon be able to introduce a new twist on the traditional dispensary experience. Assembly Bill 374 could allow pot entrepreneurs in California to open their own version of Amsterdam's famous "cannabis cafes", giving customers an opportunity for legal purchase and consumption alongside coffee, snacks, or other treats.

As cannabis cafes begin to be a thing of the past in the Netherlands, Haney's office is advocating for California to become the new king of cannabis. Imaginative social experiences and a potential boost in tourism could bring new life into previously desolate downtowns across the state! With Holland’s Mayor and some residents wanting cannabis cafes to be for their own residents, California sees the opportunity to become the next top cannabis tourist destination.

California does have some competition for the title of Cannabis Capital of the World and they will be competing with Thailand's fast-growing cannabis cafe scene. Cannabis tourism in Thailand has been increasing significantly over the years but California has a unique opportunity to regain the title with the passing of Assembly Bill 374.

"Lots of people want to enjoy legal cannabis in the company of others and many people want to do that while sipping coffee, eating a scone, or listening to music," Haney goes on to say, "If an authorized cannabis retail store wants to also sell a cup of coffee and a sandwich, we should allow cities to make that possible and stop holding back these small businesses."

California cannabis lounges are nothing new but are one step closer to becoming an interactive part of the social scene. Celebrities have jumped in on the trend in the industry, like Woody Harelson's luxurious lounge in Hollywood. They now may be able to offer more than just a smoking lounge, with the potential of celebrity chefs joining in.

The bill being considered would give existing locations a chance to offer non-cannabis products, similar to what you'd find at wine bars or pubs. Consumers can look forward not only to enjoying their favorite cannabis strains but also to enjoying entertainment and delicious foods. Although alcohol won't be present at these venues, you can expect all sorts of other activities such as music and games - it's sure to be an experience unlike any other!

According to Haney's recent comments, these stores could potentially have the opportunity to expand their services and products by selling coffee and hosting live jazz performances, he did want to avoid any confusion by emphasizing that this bill is for cannabis shops to sell coffee not for the coffee shops to be able to sell cannabis products.

California is poised to reclaim its title as the Cannabis Capital of the World, with a new bill that could bring visitors from far and wide for some premium grade bud and one-of-a-kind culinary experiences from sheer variety in cannabis strains to mouthwatering dishes.