California Legislature Passes Bill to Legalize Marijuana Cafés, Sending it to Governor Newsom

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California’s full legislature has passed legislation to legalize marijuana cafés, officially sending the bill to Governor Gavin Newsom.

Yesterday the Assembly concurred with changes that the Senate made to Assembly Bill 1775 prior to its passage. Both chambers have now passed the same version of the bill, allowing it to be sent to Governor Newsom.

The final vote in the Assembly was 58 to 6, with the final vote in the Senate being 30 to 7.

The proposed law would “authorize a local jurisdiction, if specified conditions are met, to allow for the preparation or sale of noncannabis food or beverage products, as specified, by a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed, and to allow, and to sell tickets for, live musical or other performances on the premises of a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed.”

Currently, California law prohibits cannabis consumption lounges from selling freshly prepared food, a restriction many consider unnecessary. A November 2022 rule change permitted lounges to offer prepackaged food and beverages, but the sale of freshly made food or ready-to-drink beverages remains prohibited.

Last year Governor Newsom vetoed a similar bill. However, Rep. Haney remains optimistic, stating that the governor has indicated “there’s a path forward” for this version of the bill to become law.

For the full text of the measure, click here .

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