The Era of Cannabis Cafes is Here: What That Means for You

There was a time when buying cannabis was seen as a seedy, sordid thing to do. Fortunately, in recent years, thanks to widespread legalization, cannabis dispensaries have quickly become far more accessible and mainstream.

However, as it stands, dispensaries are highly specific storefronts that are only designed to sell one thing: cannabis (and cannabis accessories). But what if you want to sit and sip on a THC-infused beverage or smoke weed while enjoying a cup of coffee and a muffin?

Well, thanks to AB1775, which passed in California in 2024, now you can. Since the era of cannabis cafes is here: what that means for you is that cannabis cafes, similar to those in Amsterdam, are one step closer to becoming a widespread reality in the Golden State. Here’s what you need to know.

A Brief Overview of Assembly Bill 1775

Although California has enjoyed recreational cannabis since 2016, there has always been one big “catch.” Yes, people can now buy weed at any licensed public dispensary and, in many cases, get it delivered. But when it comes to smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis, that has to happen behind closed doors. Specifically, on “private” property. So, while you could buy your weed in full view of the public, you still had to wait until you got home or to a friend’s house to use your products.

AB1775 aims to change that. First, the bill will allow dispensaries to promote cannabis consumption on-site, including smoking and vaping. However, most importantly, the bill also allows businesses to sell non-cannabis food and beverages, including those that aren’t pre-packaged.

But why is that such a big deal? Well, now dispensaries can be like a coffee shop where you can get high. The ability to get food and drink in the same space where you buy your weed is a game-changer and will likely lead to increased foot traffic and higher sales.

The Pros and Cons of Cannabis Cafes

One provision of AB1775 is that a business must secure local approval to open one of these new cafes. This way, cities can pick and choose where to keep legal cannabis consumption. Detractors argue that allowing public weed use can lead to adverse side effects, such as impaired drivers, exposure to secondhand smoke, and general security concerns.

Proponents of the bill argue that these cafes can revolutionize California’s economy. Now, visitors and locals alike will have a place to buy and consume weed, leading to an economic boost. Particularly in areas that have yet to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, these cafes could spur sustainable growth.

Either way, time has yet to prove anyone right, but we’re eager to see what happens.

Get Cannabis On-Demand at Foothill Wellness

While Foothill Wellness Center is not a cannabis cafe, we make it easy to find your favorite products. Whether you like to smoke, vape, or ingest edibles, we have a wide range of top-tier items to help you feel your best. Browse our selection today!