California lawmakers approve bills to allow cannabis cafes, let farmers sell weed at certain events – KCRA
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
California lawmakers have sent Gov. Gavin Newsom bills that would allow cannabis cafes and let cannabis farmers sell their products at certain temporary events.
Assembly Bill 1775 would legalize Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes.
Under the proposed law, cities and counties could allow existing cannabis retailers and consumption lounges to diversify their businesses beyond only being allowed to sell cannabis products. In this case, the cannabis retailer could sell non-cannabis food and non-alcoholic drinks, according to a fact sheet by the bill’s author, Assemblymember Matt Haney. Cannabis retailers could also hold live performances.
AB 1775 passed the state Senate Tuesday on a 30-7 vote and passed the Assembly Wednesday on a 63-5 vote.
The American Cancer Society urged Newsom to veto the bill, saying in a release that it conflicts with Proposition 64, which bans smoking marijuana where smoking tobacco products are prohibited.
The group cited California’s role in becoming the first state in the county to ban smoking at many indoor public places.
“As Americans are now using marijuana at higher rates than cigarettes and alcohol, California has the opportunity to reaffirm its role as a champion for public health. To do so, it must build upon smoke-free policies, not weaken them,” Jim Knox, California managing director for the group’s Cancer Action Network, said in a statement.
AB-1111 allows cannabis farmers to obtain a license that would permit them to sell their products to consumers at licensed cannabis events. This would only happen in local jurisdictions that have authorized such temporary events.
The bill, authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, builds on the existing law that allowed the selling of cannabis at this year’s California State Fair.
Under current law, only licensed retailers are allowed to get the licenses needed to sell cannabis products at temporary events like the fair.
Among those in support of the bill were the Nevada County Cannabis Alliance.
AB 1111 passed the Senate on a 27-5 vote Tuesday and the Assembly on a 69-2 vote on Wednesday.
KCRA 3 reached out to Newsom’s office for comment on whether he planned to sign the bills. His office said the governor would “evaluate the bills on their merits.”
Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto legislation that state lawmakers sent to his desk this session.
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