Revamped Bill to Legalize Cannabis Cafes Passes California Assembly

The Assembly has passed a bill nearly identical to one vetoed last year that would legalize Amsterdam-style “cannabis cafes” in California. The bill passed May 20 and now heads to the Senate with revisions intended to avoid another veto. Authored by Assemblyman Matt Haney, a San Francisco Democrat, AB 1775 would allow local governments to legalize so-called cannabis cafes where food and beverages could be made in-house and sold and consumed alongside marijuana, instead of only the pre-packaged items allowed at present. The bill would also let cannabis retailers host ticketed performances, such as live music. To address some of the governor’s concerns about smoking in the workplace cited in his veto last year, the revamped bill would specify that “back of the house” food preparation and storage must be in a smoke-free zone, according to an April 26 Assembly analysis of the bill....