California is set to welcome Dutch-style cannabis cafes, following a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 1, 2024. This legislation, effective January 1, 2025, allows these cafes to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages alongside cannabis products. The bill, authored by Assemblyman Matt Haney, aims to help legal cannabis businesses compete against the black market, which has been a persistent issue since the state legalized recreational cannabis in 2016. However, the introduction of cannabis cafes has raised concerns among public health advocates regarding secondhand cannabis smoke exposure. The law includes specific provisions to ensure employee safety, addressing potential health risks associated with working in such environments. Notably, California has a long-standing ban on smoking in bars and restaurants that dates back nearly 30 years. [1ea7a8af]
In a related development, Ohio has also made strides in the cannabis sector. The state Division of Cannabis Control recently began accepting applications for new dual licenses, allowing existing medical marijuana dispensaries to sell recreational cannabis. This move comes as Ohioans over 21 can now legally grow and possess adult-use marijuana at home. However, until the dual licenses are granted, there are currently no legal outlets for purchasing recreational cannabis in the state. The first sales are anticipated by mid-June, with the law permitting adults to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to six plants per individual or 12 per household. [abea5f9d]