Sacramento City Council Approves Cannabis Cafes

The Sacramento City Council has approved the licensing of adult-use
cannabis lounges and cafes in California’s capital city, KCRA reports.
Mayor Kevin McCarty (D) cast the deciding vote.

Expected by next year, the social use businesses will require a special
permit and advanced ventilation.

City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum said the cannabis cafes would benefit
public spaces by providing a legal and responsible place for people to
enjoy cannabis, “so they’re not having to resort to our public spaces.”

Maisha Bahiti, owner of the dispensary Crystal Nugs, told KCRA they built
out their retail location “with the hopes one day the lounge opportunity
would become available,” and had already accounted for the space.

“I expect that this is going to be a huge thing, not only for business, but
for our customers as well. We are in an area where there’s a lot of
apartments, where there’s a lot of renters. You’re going to have people who
cannot consume in their homes.” — Bahiti in the report

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed the state’s cannabis cafes policy
into law last October, and the law took effect on January 1. Under the
rules, licensed establishments are also permitted to serve food and drinks
and can host live performances.