California’s bill to allow cannabis dispensaries to offer non-cannabis food and drinks on their premises is officially on its way to the governor’s desk.
Days after the Senate passed a slightly modified version of the original bill, the California Assembly approved the bill Monday, by a vote of 48-7. The bill now moves to the Governor Gavin Newsom.
New possibilities for cannabis dispensaries
The bill would allow local communities to allow cannabis consumption spaces to prepare and sell non-cannabis food and non-alcoholic beverages in their facilities. The sale of alcoholic beverages in Cannabis cafes would remain prohibited, as would the smoking of tobacco.
The legislation would further explicitly permit “live musical or other performances on the premises of a retailer or micro-business licensed under this section, in the area where cannabis consumption is permitted , as well as the sale of tickets for these shows.
Retailers and micro-businesses would be allowed to offer freshly prepared food and drinks, but the bill limits the sale of prepackaged food to retailers, which is consistent with regulations that the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) state adopted late last year.
The bill was revised along the way to clarify that hemp-based foods and beverages are not considered “non-cannabis” products that could be sold in cafes. It also states that non-cannabis products “shall be stored and displayed separately and distinctly from all cannabis and cannabis products on the premises.”
Our Cannabis Cafe bill–allowing local governments to permit legal licensed cannabis retailers to sell non-cannabis foods and drinks–is out of the legislature and on to the Governor. If he signs it, it will become law next year.
— Matt Haney (@MattHaneySF) September 11, 2023
In fact, some California businesses had found solutions to allow on-site cannabis consumption while still making food available to customers – but they were operating in a gray area, partnering with restaurants.
Governor Newsom has not commented publicly on the plan but has been a long-time supporter of cannabis legalization.
