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.