WHAT’S BEING CLAIMED:
- The first cannabis cafe in the U.S. has officially opened on Tuesday in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.
- Lowell Cafe customers can order some pot to complement their non-infused meal, much like a wine pairing.
- The cafe aims to be a safe and welcoming place for both “cannabis connoisseurs” and “those who are just canna-curious.”
The first cannabis cafe in the U.S., the Lowell Cafe, has officially opened on Tuesday in West Hollywood, Los Angeles — declaring an end to “prohibition.”
In this hybrid weed lounge and restaurant, customers can order some pot to complement their meal.
Experienced cannabis consumers can partake in the “Dab Bar” while novices and other customers can ask “Flower House” hosts to help them choose their perfect “flower.”
General manager Lily Estanislao told CBS Los Angeles, “So like with a wine sommelier coming to present wine or talk about pairings, that’s ultimately what we want to do.”
Erika Soto, a flower host, explained, “A couple of questions we ask at first is: what’s your tolerance level, and are you with someone safe or do you have a method to get home after.”
The cafe aims to be a welcoming place for both “cannabis connoisseurs” and “those who are just canna-curious.”
Petra McElvenny, one of the customers at Monday night’s preview event, told CBS L.A. that the cafe is a good start on “getting rid of that stigma, that negative stigma, on marijuana as a whole.”
Andrea Drummer, one of the top cannabis chefs in L.A., created “a unique menu of healthy, flavorful, non-infused dishes” designed to heighten cannabis experience, the website states.
Due to current laws, however, Lowell Cafe does not serve cannabis-infused foods. According to their website, there will be limited, pre-packaged “edibles” available for purchase.
The cannabis cafe also laid down some rules. Anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed inside, even with a medical marijuana card. Customers are also encouraged to act like they are going to a normal bar — which means no driving home under the influence.
Marijuana was legalized in California in 2016. Anyone 21 years of age or older can legally grow, possess, and use cannabis for non-medicinal purposes, with certain restrictions.
It’s now legal to sell and distribute cannabis through a regulated business in the state, with strong restrictions on selling and advertising to anyone under 21.
Nearly a dozen states have legalized recreational use of marijuana. According to a CBS News poll, 65% of Americans think it should be legal.
Most Americans believe that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and less dangerous than other drugs. But those who oppose legalization think it leads to a rise in crime.
Source: CBS News
