California Senate approved a bill passed by the Assembly to legalize marijuana cafés. Dispensaries can now offer non-cannabis foods and drinks if they get local approval.
On Thursday, the Senate passed the bill from Assemblymember Matt Haney. It was slightly modified in a Senate Committee, so it will need to be voted on again by the Assembly before it can go to the Governor’s desk.
Haney praised the “strong bipartisan” support the measure received Thursday, and said that the process of concurrence would be “quick”.
The Senate just approved my bill, AB 374, to allow Cannabis cafes in California, 33-3. Strong bipartisan support. Quickly pass a concurrence vote at the Assembly and then to the Governor.
The bill will allow local governments to permit existing cannabis small… pic.twitter.com/RblZO3ubUl
— Matt Haney (@MattHaneySF) September 7, 2023
AB 374 allows local governments to allow cannabis lounges to sell soft drinks and non-cannabis food in their establishments. Smoking tobacco and the sale of alcohol beverages would remain prohibited in cannabis cafes.
The legislation also explicitly allows “live musical performances or other performances at the premises of retailers or microbusinesses licensed under this division, in areas where cannabis consumption is permitted, as well as the sale of tickets to those performances.”
The bill allows retailers and microbusinesses to sell freshly prepared food and beverages, but limits the sale of prepackaged foods to retailers. This is in line with the regulations adopted by the Department of Cannabis Control of the state late last year.
In the Assembly, the bill was amended to clarify that hemp-based drinks or food products are not “non-cannabis”, and therefore cannot be sold in cafes. The bill now states that all non-cannabis products “must be displayed and stored separately from any cannabis or cannabis products on the premises.”
California businesses have used workarounds that allow on-site food consumption, while still providing it to guests. But they have operated in a gray area by partnering with restaurants that are separately licensed and receive the profits.
—
Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1,000 cannabis and drug policy bills that have been introduced in state legislatures, and Congress. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.
Discover more about our marijuana bills tracker. Become a Patreon supporter to gain access.
—
Gavin Newsom (D) a bill to legalize psychedelics for adults 21 and older on Thursday. Gavin Newsom, (D), introduced a bill on Thursday to legalize the use of psychedelics by adults aged 21 and over.
Recently, the Assembly Appropriations Committee approved a Senate passed bill intended to strengthen protections for employees who use cannabis outside of work. The committee adopted the technical amendments from Sen. Steven Bradford, (D), but it will be sent back to the Senate to get their approval if the Assembly approves it.
The bill would expand current employment protections that were enacted during the last session, which prohibit employers from penalizing workers who use cannabis according to state law while on the job.
State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced last month a new program aimed at curbing the illicit market. He also claimed that the high cannabis tax rates in the state are partly responsible for the continued illegal sales.
Documents obtained by Marijuana Moment reveal that Bonta’s office also sought input from local governments and cannabis industry groups in order to draft an opinion regarding the legal risks associated with allowing interstate marijuana commerce while federal prohibition continues.
Indian tribe in North Carolina votes to legalize marijuana, snubbing anti-cannabis GOP congressman
The post California Senate approves bill to legalize marijuana cafes, with final concordance vote expected shortly before going to Governor first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
