California city votes to transform into Amsterdam pot smokers paradise

California pot smoker’s could soon be able to visit their favorite cannabis lounge, order fresh food and catch some entertainment after the city of San Francisco moved one step closer to making it legal.Members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 7-4 on Tuesday in the first step to allow Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in the city.The city currently allows for pot smoking in certain pot dispensaries and if the measure passes, the shops will be able to sell food, non-alcoholic drinks, and offer entertainment.Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said it just makes good business sense.“Amsterdam does a lot of tourism business and has a lot of benefits from having the cannabis cafes,” Mandelman told NBC Bay Area.“San Francisco is not Amsterdam; there may be elements of that that we’re going to see out here, and again, that could be part of our recovery.”CEO of Hybra dispensary, William Dolan, said if it passes, it will fulfill a longtime dream.“We’re looking to develop a space where people can socialize, relax, unwind, grab a bite to eat, have a snack, have a coffee and consume cannabis in a way where they’re doing it legally,” Dolan said.“They don’t have to do it in their apartment, or they don’t have to do it on the street.”Supporters like Dolan are all for it, noting that it brings the city into compliance with the state law Assembly Bill 1775, first introduced by SF assemblyman Matt Haney.

The bill was singed by Gov.Gavin Newsom in 2024 after amendments and took effect January 2025. It allows for the preparation or sale of non-cannabis food or beverage products, where consumption of cannabis is allowed, and the sale of tickets for entertainment.But critics say this is a move backwards and “outrageous”.“San Francisco already allows cannabis retailers to have a smoking lounge, and this ordinance would allow these spaces to operate as cafés, restaurants, and entertainment venues, which would significantly expand where cannabis s...