California Travel Association’s Post

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have legalized Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in the state, despite widespread bipartisan support. The bill's supporters argued that it would help to tackle the state's thriving illicit cannabis market and bolster the legal cannabis industry. However, Newsom's veto cited potential threats to the state's smoke-free workplace policies. I believe that Governor Newsom's veto of the cannabis cafe bill was a missed opportunity. Cannabis cafes are a popular and successful way to regulate cannabis consumption in other parts of the world, and they could have helped to reduce California's reliance on the black market. Additionally, cannabis cafes can be a valuable source of tax revenue and can help to create jobs in the local economy. However, I understand the governor's concerns about smoke-free workplace policies. Cannabis smoke can be harmful to secondhand smokers, and it is important to protect workers from exposure. I believe that a compromise could have been reached that would have allowed cannabis cafes to operate without endangering the health of workers. Overall, I am disappointed that Governor Newsom vetoed the cannabis cafe bill. However, I am hopeful that the state will revisit this issue in the future and develop a way to regulate cannabis cafes that is both safe and effective. https://lnkd.in/dh_xDmh7

"A bill that would allow #Amsterdam-style #cannabiscafes in #California passed the state Assembly on Monday after a third reading with a 56-6 vote. The bill, formally known as #AssemblyBill1775, would give local #jurisdictions the authority to allow #cannabisclubs to make and sell non-cannabis food and nonalcoholic drinks. The bill states that food and drinks will be stored and displayed away from cannabis products. The proposed #legislation would also enable cannabis cafes to host live musical or other performances and add states that Under current state law, customers can consume cannabis at a #dispensary, but dispensaries can’t legally sell non-cannabis products like food and coffee, which is legal to do in Amsterdam. This isn’t the first time a bill related to #cannabiscafes has reached Sacramento. Last October, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill, citing the state’s long-standing smoke-free protection for workers. However, this time around, Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), who introduced the bill in January, says the legislation Is all about fairness. Haney argues that cafes would be on a level playing field “for the highly taxed and regulated legal cannabis industry that is being forced to compete in California with a thriving cannabis black market.”  “It’s really about fairness and supporting businesses that follow the rules,” Haney said in a statement. “If we keep allowing unnecessary regulations to strangle California’s legal cannabis businesses, we’re just encouraging illegal drug sales and all of the problems that come with that.” AB 1775 is now headed to the state #Senate. It would need a signature from Newsom to be officially law." - KTLA

A California Senate panel has approved a bill to legalize cannabis cafes, opening new opportunities for the cannabis industry. 🌿 This legislation, championed by Assemblymember Matt Haney, aims to allow on-site marijuana consumption at licensed businesses that could also serve food, non-alcoholic drinks, and host live events with local government approval. The move comes as a response to the industry's struggles with oversaturation, high taxes, and competition from the black market. By diversifying their offerings, cannabis retailers can boost revenue and enhance the customer experience. With places like West Hollywood already home to cannabis consumption lounges, this bill could significantly shape the future landscape of cannabis cafes in California. #CannabisIndustry #Legislation #California #WestHollywood #BusinessInnovation #CannabisCafes #MarijuanaMovement #TheHigherPath #ConsumptionLounge

California's Assembly Bill 1775, which aims to legalize cannabis cafes in the state. Passed by the Assembly with a vote of 49-9, the bill is now headed to the Senate. Assemblyman Matt Haney, the bill's sponsor, argues that allowing cannabis cafes will enable legal businesses to compete with the illegal market by providing a social and entertainment experience around cannabis consumption. The bill would permit existing cannabis dispensaries to sell non-infused food and drinks and provide a designated space for cannabis consumption. It's highlighted that cannabis cafes could boost local economies, particularly in downtown and commercial areas, by drawing tourists and creating jobs. Additionally, these cafes are seen as a safer alternative for consumers who might otherwise face eviction or other issues from consuming cannabis at home. The bill aims to regulate these establishments to ensure they are safe and properly managed. https://lnkd.in/gVU-HPDn

https://lnkd.in/gwkDTfxX 🌿 Disheartened by the Missed Opportunity for California's Cannabis Industry 🌿 It's with great disappointment that I address Governor Newsom's recent veto of Assembly Bill 374, which aimed to bring Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes to California. While I respect the importance of workplace protections, I believe this decision misses the mark on several fronts. Amsterdam, a shining example, demonstrates how well-regulated cannabis cafes can create safe and vibrant spaces for cannabis enthusiasts. The Dutch model, in place for decades, has contributed to tourism, small businesses, and responsible consumption. Let's consider the missed opportunities here: 1️⃣ **Tax Revenue**: By allowing cannabis cafes, we could have tapped into a new stream of tax revenue, strengthening our economy. 2️⃣ **Job Creation**: This move could have spurred job creation in the hospitality and cannabis sectors, especially in a post-pandemic world where employment opportunities are crucial. 3️⃣ **Supporting Small Business**: Cannabis cafes offer an avenue for small businesses to thrive, stimulating local economies and entrepreneurship. 4️⃣ **Combating the Black Market**: With legalized cafes, we could have taken a significant step toward diminishing the illegal cannabis market. Legal businesses, burdened with regulation and taxation, need this support to compete. Governor Newsom's concern, echoed by the Cancer Society, is appreciated but seems misaligned with the broader benefits we could have reaped. We coexist with places where cigarettes, cigars, and vape are allowed, so why not cannabis? Let's hope for a collaborative effort in future legislation to strike the right balance between workers' health and the industry's potential. I wholeheartedly support Assemblymember Matt Haney's commitment to refining the bill, ensuring that we get it right and unlock the vast potential within our cannabis industry. Join me in the conversation - What's your take on this issue? 🗨️ #CannabisIndustry #CaliforniaCafes #Legalization #EconomicGrowth #Community #SmallBusiness #OpenDiscussion

It's nice to see the progress being made in California towards legalising Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes. This bill, which has garnered bipartisan support, could have significant positive impacts on both the local economy and small businesses. Allowing cannabis-only dispensaries to offer non-cannabis food and drinks, as well as host events like live music, aligns with the evolving needs and desires of consumers. As we witness these developments in California, it raises an important question: Should Australia consider adopting a similar policy when contemplating full cannabis legalisation? What are the potential economic, social, and regulatory benefits and challenges that such a move might bring to our country? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below! https://lnkd.in/g6pcBGjV #cannabis  #cannabisaustralia #cannabispolicy

California – In a recent move, the California Assembly passed AB-1775 with a vote of 58-6, a bill that could reshape the landscape of cannabis consumption and sales in the state. This legislation, designed to introduce what some people are calling “Amsterdam-style” cannabis consumption lounges, aims to offer a more integrated and enjoyable experience for cannabis enthusiasts. The bill would permit licensed cannabis retailers to prepare and sell non-cannabis food and beverages, host live music and performances, and create a more vibrant social scene centered around cannabis use. However, it is important to note that the journey to legalization is far from over, as the bill must still pass through the State Senate and gain the approval of Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 1775 is an attempt to shift California’s approach to cannabis regulation. Introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), the bill seeks to level the playing field for the state’s legal cannabis industry, which faces steep competition from the “illicit market”. By allowing cannabis cafés to sell food and beverages and host live events, the bill aims to attract more customers to licensed establishments and provide a safer, more regulated environment for cannabis consumption. Keep reading at the link below.

A new pilot scheme was launched in the Netherlands this week to remove the legal no man’s land faced by coffee shops that can legally sell cannabis but have to buy their supplies illegally due to there being no other option. A long-term aim of the scheme is to sever links between the commercially operated coffee shops & producers who control the trading of harder narcotics. Under the first stage of the plan, coffee shops in Breda and Tilburg will have their cannabis supplied from three official sources, two of which start business immediately. In theory it sounds like a great plan. #cbdshow #cbd #cbdmovement #cbdcoffee #cannabis #cannabiscommunity #cbdeducation #cannabiseducation

...and, if you were surprised by this, you were also caught unaware that there was a total eclipse yesterday (how is life under that rock?)... ...I am sure this happens a lot - it happens with bars and even with the government retailers in bev-alc, and in traditional grocery - the way it's done is more Trumpian-Cohenian, in a code that gets the point across, without being overt - but when the LCBO or LCL want you to do something, they get their point across. Legal cannabis is a dirty business - heck, most industries still have their share of dirt. It's just that legal cannabis seems to have more than its fair share. This won't make it go away - it will (a) reduce it a bit, but more so (b) make the retailers a bit more savvy in how they speak the code. https://lnkd.in/g3Ttp8C5

Grocery giant Loblaws pushing Ford government to change cannabis retail rules: https://loom.ly/4XMGjHM "As the Ford government ushers in new cannabis regulations that could dramatically scale up the number of licensed pot shops in Ontario, Global News can reveal that grocery store giant Loblaws has been pushing the province for legal changes that would allow the supermarket giant to enter the bud business." #canadiancannabis #cannabisnews #cannabisindustry