San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge at sunset, California
Assemblymember Matt Haney is proposing a new solution to lure visitors to California, including San Francisco, through the establishment of cannabis cafes. The idea is based on the thriving tourist industry in Amsterdam, where these types of cafes have become a popular destination. On Friday, Haney introduced legislation to make it easier for cannabis dispensaries to sell food and beverages in an effort to increase business and bring in tourists. The bill would change state law to allow licensed cannabis stores to sell food, non-alcoholic beverages, and tickets for entertainment events if local governments agree.
Haney believes that by diversifying cannabis businesses, it would help to draw visitors to these establishments for a unique experience that they can’t find at home. In addition, it would help to fill empty storefronts and revitalize downtown areas that have been affected by the pandemic. The legislation would simply allow local governments to decide whether to expand the range of products offered by existing cannabis operators. San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman is already in support of this bill and plans to introduce local legislation to allow cannabis lounges to also sell food, beverages, and tickets to events.
West Hollywood and other towns in California have already written local ordinances to allow cannabis cafes if the state permits it. Despite the proliferation of dispensaries in California, the current economic and regulatory environments pose serious challenges for them. High taxes and competition from cheaper marijuana on the illegal market have led to reduced foot traffic and pushed some operators out of business.
Haney’s bill could help address some of these challenges by opening up new revenue generation opportunities for cannabis sellers. However, using Amsterdam as a model for San Francisco could present some problems. Amsterdam’s mayor is reportedly tired of tourists visiting for “moral vacations” and wants to temporarily ban non-residents from using its pot cafes. Haney’s office noted that the bill would not interfere with local law enforcement or other agencies monitoring the operation of these establishments.
In 2016, California voters legalized recreational use of marijuana by passing Proposition 64. While more than a dozen other states have followed suit, Prop. 64 left licensing up to local governments. This has led to more than 700 legally permitted dispensaries in California, with San Francisco alone having over 40 and Oakland having at least 15. Despite this, more than half of California cities and counties still haven’t allowed cannabis businesses to operate in their jurisdictions.
In conclusion, Haney’s bill could provide a solution to the challenges faced by the cannabis industry in California. By diversifying cannabis businesses, it could increase revenue and bring in tourists for a unique experience. However, using Amsterdam as a model for San Francisco may present some challenges and it remains to be seen
