NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — A new California law is legalizing Amsterdam-style Cannabis cafes. These are establishments where you can consume cannabis on-site.

“You can consume in public and ideally do so safely under the purview of budtenders so like a bartender but they’re serving you bud,” said Jackie Bryant, a cannabis journalist.

She says the new law allows on-site marijuana consumption and licensed businesses to sell non-cannabis food and non-alcoholic drinks.

“This allows people to literally have a restaurant in the space if they want to and have full service,” she said.

This new law also sets rules for ventilation to ensure employees are in a safe and healthy environment. Businesses will also be able to bring in live entertainment. Although the legislation is now in effect, local jurisdictions still have the final say on whether they will allow cannabis lounges in their towns or cities. 

Bryant says Sessions by the Bay in National City got the green light to open prior to this law passing because it sits on tribal land. It was then approved to open by the National City Council.

“It’s really the ideal situation for us,” said Alex Ayon, the CEO of Sessions by the Bay.

Ayon says he’s happy the new law passed, and he’s changing their business model before opening the doors. They now plan to serve food and mocktails, but safety for customers will be the top priority.

“There’s a lot of education we will be providing to the consumers about dosages and tolerances. We will be training our staff to have those conversations,” Ayon said.

They began hiring employees and are hopeful to open in late February.