San Francisco may be ready to turn over a new leaf when it comes to cannabis cafes.
Cannabis cafes exist across California after state legislation opened the door for food service over a year ago. That legislation, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, expanded what cannabis lounges can legally do across the state, including allowing cannabis retailers to prepare and service non-cannabis food and beverage inside consumption areas. It also allows lounges to sell tickets for live music and other performances.
While state legislation opened the door for these to happen, it must be approved on the local level as well.
San Francisco has yet to approve a local ordinance, something Haney and city Supervisor Rafael Mandelman hope to change. On Monday, they plan to announce a local ordinance building on state law and allowing for cannabis cafes to open in the city.
There were amendments to the cannabis cafe bill before it passed. They include requirements for clear signage, training on secondhand cannabis smoke, and ventilation and filtration standards.