Adult cannabis use has been legal in the Golden State since 2017, and Californians have certainly been living the high life ever since. But now the California Senate just passed a bill that’s going to make California cannabis lounges look a lot more like our European counterparts. The new law, Assembly Bill 1775, will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
Something for the Munchies
This new regulation will now allow licensed dispensaries and cannabis lounges to sell non-psychoactive food and nonalcoholic drinks to their customers. Previously, California laws did not allow these businesses to serve freshly prepared food or beverages, only prepackaged food. This severely limited the expansion of many cannabis businesses that were forced to split their businesses between food services and cannabis services.
Nightlife Alternative
Plus, these cannabis businesses are also now allowed to host live music events and performances. Some Californians view it as a great alternative to the alcohol-fueled entertainment industry that is currently the nightlife norm. Additionally, many in the cannabis industry feel that these new measures are a step in the right direction by allowing them to better serve their customers.
A New Third Space
Even better, this new law will allow a new kind of “third space” to emerge in California. The term “third space” refers to social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home and the workplace. Sadly, these types of places are not as common in the U.S. as they are in other countries where these social spaces are more readily available.
Social Experience
The social experience of cannabis cafes like the ones in Amsterdam is something that many cannabis business owners desired for their own lounges here in California. The current legal business model only allows customers to purchase and consume cannabis at the dispensaries. Whereas under the new Assembly Bill 1775, customers can now consume cannabis while enjoying a drink and a bite and listening to great music or enjoying other entertainment with their fellow tokers. The beginning of January 2025 will usher in a chill time for Californians.
You can read more here about Assembly Bill 1775.