A bill that could transform California marijuana shops into Amsterdam-style cannabis cafés, is awaiting final approval from Gov. Gavin Newsom. The legislation, which passed the state Senate and Assembly with overwhelming support, would permit local cannabis shop to sell food along with marijuana products, and even host live music events.
The bill’s sponsor, San Francisco Assemblyman Matt Haney, believes this could help struggling cannabis shops increase sales tax revenue.
While it’s not currently illegal for consumers to use cannabis at their local shop, the sale of non-cannabis items such as food or coffee is prohibited. Assembly Bill 374 would change that. However, the bill stipulates that alcohol cannot be sold at these cannabis cafes, and regular coffee shops will be barred from selling cannabis.
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Haney sees the potential for economic growth, health benefits, and social interaction in adopting the café model, citing over a billion dollars in annual sales across the Netherlands’ 700+ cannabis shops.
The proposed law, if signed by Newsom, would take effect from January 1.
Read more at Los Angeles Times.
