California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved a bill allowing cannabis consumption lounges to operate statewide, which is seen as a positive development for the struggling legal marijuana market in the state. However, opponents argue that this decision violates smoke-free workplace rules.
The bill, known as Assembly Bill 1775, was introduced in January 2024 and gives local jurisdictions the authority to permit “cannabis cafes.” This new law will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
Prior to this approval, cannabis retailers with designated consumption areas could only sell prepackaged food and beverages if allowed by local regulations. AB 1775 now permits the sale of fresh food and drinks, subject to regulation under the California Retail Food Code and any local requirements.
In 2023, a similar bill was vetoed by Newsom due to concerns about contradicting the state’s smoke-free workplace conditions and potential risks to cafe workers’ health and safety. The revised 2024 version of the bill addressed these concerns.
Newsom praised Assemblyman Matt Haney, the bill’s author, for incorporating additional safeguards to protect employees, such as allowing the discretion to wear masks for respiratory protection at the employer’s expense and providing guidance on the risks of secondhand cannabis smoke.
In his signing statement, Newsom emphasized the importance of prioritizing worker safety by mandating that dispensaries provide masks for their employees.
The newly approved law prohibits retailers from selling products made from industrial hemp.
The bill passed the California state Senate with a 30–7 vote on August 27 and received a 63–5 vote in the Assembly the following day.
Industry leaders in the cannabis sector welcomed the new law, citing its benefits for legal shop owners and community integration.
However, critics argue that the legislation undermines smoke-free workplace protections and puts cafe workers at risk. Organizations like the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network express concerns about the potential negative impact on public health and air quality.
Proposition 64, a ballot measure passed in 2016 legalizing recreational marijuana in California, prohibits smoking marijuana in places where tobacco smoking is banned.
Aside from California, states like Alaska, Colorado, and Illinois already have laws allowing indoor consumption of cannabis, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.
