Cannabis Cafés Coming to California
Cannabis culture in California, and in fact in the whole USA, just got even better. In no small part, because in January 2025, a new law began legalizing cannabis cafés across the state. Governor Gavin Newsome signed Assembly Bill 1775 into law in 2023, and the law went into effect on January 1, 2025. Cannabis cafes and the similar cannabis lounges are places of business where customers can eat food, drink non-alcoholic beverages and smoke cannabis products.
Since the 1970s, cannabis cafés in Amsterdam have served up cannabis alongside their coffee and pastries. Locals and tourists alike sit in the sunshine on the edge of one of the city's many canals or riverbanks and enjoy marijuana with their food. Now, the joy of Amsterdam-style cannabis cafés is coming to California.
This groundbreaking legislation allows licensed cannabis businesses to serve food and beverages alongside cannabis smoking. These cafés will create an Amsterdam-style café experience for enthusiasts by offering a social, lounge-style setting. By mixing a culinary experience with cannabis, the goal of these businesses and this law is to give a shot in the arm to the cannabis industry.
Key Provisions of AB-1775
Cafés must be licensed - Businesses must have an up-to-date license to permit cannabis consumption on their premises.
On-site cannabis use - Licensed cafés can allow customers to use cannabis products on their premises in designated areas if permitted by local regulations.
Food and beverage sales - Licensed cafés can make and sell non-cannabis food and beverages in designated areas, making sure there is no contamination or comingling with cannabis products.
Live entertainment - Cannabis cafés can host live music or other events inside the designated cannabis consumption areas.
Local jurisdiction approval - Under AB 1775, all permitted activities require explicit approval from the local municipality.
Age restrictions - Access to cannabis consumption areas is restricted to individuals 21 years of age or older.
No alcohol consumption - Cannabis cafés cannot serve or allow the consumption of alcohol.
Employee protections - Provisions to protect employees from secondhand cannabis smoke include the right for employees to wear a mask while working.
Current Cafés
Currently, only a handful of licensed cannabis cafés operate in California, but this number will likely grow in the coming months and years. As public interest in the unique experience of cannabis cafes continues to grow and cannabis laws evolve, more and more entrepreneurs are likely to get in on the game and open their own. But until that time, there are currently a few options for consumers interested in trying out the cannabis café experience.
Here is a small sample of the cafés currently open across California.
The Original Cannabis Café - West Hollywood - https://cannabis.cafe/
The Original Cannabis Café made history when it opened its doors in 2019. Located in West Hollywood, California, the restaurant can seat 220 people, has an air filtration system, and live hanging plants inside and out to help reduce the smoke.
Moe Greens - San Francisco - http://www.moegreens.com/
Moe Greens, a prominent cannabis lounge and dispensary, opened its doors in San Francisco in 2019. Since then, it has established itself as one of the largest and most popular cannabis destinations in the city. Moe Greens provides a space where customers can not only purchase high-quality cannabis products but also enjoy them in a comfortable and social environment.
The Woods WEHO – West Hollywood - https://thewoodsweho.com/
Opened in 2022, The Woods is located in cannabis-friendly West Hollywood and was co-founded by celebrities including TV host Bill Maher, actor Woody Harrelson, and tennis legend John McEnroe. Inside its Zen-inspired interior, customers can browse the retail space, purchase organic, outdoor-grown cannabis, and unwind in the inviting outdoor lounge.
In Closing
The passing of AB-1775 marks a groundbreaking new chapter in California's thriving cannabis industry. By giving consumers the option to enjoy cannabis alongside food, drinks, and live entertainment in public spaces, this progressive legislation will both foster a greater sense of community and also provide enthusiasts with exciting new ways to enjoy cannabis in public spaces. With increasing demand and growing legislative support, the future of cannabis cafés in California looks brighter than ever. As these unique establishments boost both the local economy and the cannabis sector, California solidifies its position as a leader in cannabis culture—on track to becoming America's very own Amsterdam.
