California lawmakers have approved a bill to legalize cannabis cafes in the state, months after the governor vetoed a previous iteration of the proposal.
The Assembly passed the legislation in a vote of 58-6 vote on Monday, sending it to the Senate for consideration.
Assemblymember Matt Haney (D) is again sponsoring the proposal, which would allow on-site marijuana consumption at licensed businesses that could also offer non-cannabis food and non-alcoholic drinks and host live events such as concerts if they get permission from their local government.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed the prior version, saying that while he appreciated that the intent was to “provide cannabis retailers with increased business opportunities and an avenue to attract new customers,” he felt “concerned this bill could undermine California’s long-standing smoke-free workplace protections.”
“Protecting the health and safety of workers is paramount,” the governor said at the time. “I encourage the author to address this concern in subsequent legislation.”
Speaking on the Assembly floor on Monday, Haney said the new legislation “supports our legal small businesses that just want to diversify their businesses and do the right thing.”
“The illicit illegal market is continuing to grow and thrive while our legal cannabis market
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