Let’s open up cannabis consumption to a broader consumer experience in California

California made international news this summer when it opened up its State Fair in Sacramento to cannabis sales and consumption for the first time. By all measures, the move was a great success: more than 100,000 people visited the 21-and-over cannabis exhibit, and overall attendance at Fair was up 10% over 2023, despite many days of triple-digit temperatures in Sacramento.

The scene was celebratory and mellow at the cannabis consumption tent, which was permitted by the state Department of Cannabis Control and the city of Sacramento. Odor control kept any smell from cannabis smoke from wafting out to other parts of the Fair, and no negative incidents were reported.

Apparently, fairgoers got the munchies too. Tom Martinez, CEO of California State Fair, said in a press release, “We are thrilled to have achieved such remarkable numbers especially in food and beverage sales, surpassing recent records and setting new benchmarks for future fairs.”

The success at the State Fair demonstrates very well that California is ready for more cannabis consumption spaces, and that they can be run safely and profitably, especially if the venue can serve food and drink.

Prop. 64, by which California voters legalized the adult use and sales of cannabis in 2016, allowed local governments to permit consumption lounges at state-licensed cannabis retail establishments. Several cities, most notably San Francisco, West Hollywood, and Palm Springs, have begun to allow such spaces to operate, with local control over odor prevention and other health and safety measures.

But tight regulations over the California cannabis industry disallow the preparation and sales of food and beverages in licensed cannabis consumption spaces. This puts them at a severe disadvantage compared to bars, clubs and other venues that can serve alcohol along with food.

A current bill by Assemblymember Matt Haney and sponsored by California NORML, AB 1775, would remedy this situation by allowing local governments to permit food and beverage sales at existing cannabis consumption spaces. A similar bill was vetoed last year by Gov. Newsom after anti-tobacco groups raised concerns about possible effects of second-hand cannabis smoke on workers. The bill has accordingly been revised this year with amendments to minimize smoke exposure in food preparation areas and adjoining spaces.

Cannabis consumers, including medical marijuana patients and tourists, have limited places where they can socialize legally in California. Unlike tobacco and alcohol, the use of cannabis is forbidden in all public places, and many landlords or local governments do not permit smoking of any kind in rental units. Consumption lounges, where they are permitted and financially viable, are the only legal outlets available. As we all found out during the COVID crisis, a lack of socialization can have serious health consequences.

According to an overview by the Marijuana Policy Project, of the 12 states that allow cannabis consumption lounges, at least half allow food and beverage service. Allowing cannabis businesses in California to afford the same hospitality to customers as bars and wineries will strengthen the legal industry in the face of high taxation, restrictive regulations, and harsh competition from the illicit cannabis market, including hemp products that are widely sold in convenience stores. AB 1775 will foster the cannabis community’s opportunities to socialize in a safe and secure environment, including medical patients who rely on legally regulated cannabis products for pain and symptom management.

Let’s build on the model of success and acceptance we saw at the California State Fair this year by enacting the Cannabis Café bill, AB 1775.

 Ellen Komp is the Deputy Director of California NORML, the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, which has advocated for the rights of California’s cannabis consumers since 1972.