Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafes Coming to California with Celebrity Endorsement: Here's Who Pushed the Bill

On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill allowing licensed cannabis lounges to sell food and host ticketed events, essentially giving rise to Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes.

These locations will allow customers to enjoy marijuana while eating in the same establishment, a major change for California's cannabis scene, SFGate reported.

See also: Governor Newsom's Hemp Ban Takes Effect: Implications for Industry, Investors and Patients

The state's existing laws allow people to consume cannabis inside licensed lounges, but these businesses have been prohibited from offering food.

With the new legislation, customers will no longer need to leave the room in search of a meal or snack, creating a more integrated and enjoyable experience.

Celebrities give their opinion

Several high-profile names have supported this effort, including actors Whoopi Goldberg Woody Harrelsonand comedian Bill Maher.

“It doesn't make sense that we don't allow cannabis lounges to sell food. Right now in California it's harder to get high in a lounge and eat a sandwich than it is to drive a car, but guess which is more dangerous?” Maher said in a public statement before the bill was signed.

Both Goldberg and Harrelson, who have their own cannabis businesses in California, will benefit from the law, which will undoubtedly boost the cannabis hospitality industry.

Local control remains an obstacle

While this new law represents a step forward, it comes with a downside: local governments will have the final say on whether or not cannabis cafes can open in their jurisdictions.

In many parts of the state, cannabis lounges remain prohibited, limiting where these new social consumption spaces can operate.

At the moment, cities like San Francisco, West Hollywood and Palm Springs are home to more than a dozen salons, but it's unclear how quickly other cities will adopt the change.

Elena CompDeputy Director of California's National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) said that while the law goes into effect Jan. 1, local governments may require additional regulations before lounges can begin serving food. .

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