West Hollywood Approves Cannabis Cafes, Lounges

The city of West Hollywood has announced license approvals for cannabis cafes and lounges, as well as other cannabis businesses, Eater Los Angeles reports.

West Hollywood will allow social use cannabis lounges — which, so far, have been seen in limited locations around the nation, such as San Francisco and Denver — where the smoking of cannabis or the eating of infused edibles is allowed.

One step further than other regions, however, West Hollywood will also have actual eateries and restaurants where chefs will be able to work with cannabis to produce foods to order.

Some speculate that the move will place West Hollywood, California on the level of cities like Amsterdam for cannabis tourism.

“The City was very impressed by the quality and caliber of the applications we received, many of the businesses are unique, innovative, and world class. The range of visions among the approved applicants reflect an entirely new era of integrated marketplaces, consumption lounges and cafes, cannabis restaurants, and immersive experiences; all of which go far beyond models currently seen in the State, or even the world. We believe these business will set West Hollywood apart and solidify the future success of the cannabis industry in the City.” — The City of West Hollywood, in a public statement

The full list of approved applicants is available on the West Hollywood city website.

The approved businesses must now have 12 months to secure a city business license and find a physical location.