Learn About the Health Risks Associated with Cannabis Cafes in Los Angeles County

What is a Cannabis Café?

A cannabis cafe is a social, restaurant-style venue where adults 21+ can purchase and consume cannabis on-site. In addition to flower, edibles, and THC beverages, these spaces now legally serve non-infused food and coffee, offering an Amsterdam-style "third place" for socializing. In 2024, California passed AB 1775, allowing jurisdictions to authorize cannabis cafés. These venues may allow adults to use cannabis on-site in settings that may also offer food, drinks, or entertainment.

Cannabis Café Prevention Initiative

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) launched the Cannabis Café Prevention Initiative which is a public health effort focused on preventing substance-related harms. By educating communities, supporting youth prevention, and sharing evidence-based information about their potential health impacts this initiative helps Los Angeles County residents make informed decisions.

As these venues develop, public health education is important to help communities understand potential impacts on health, safety, and prevention efforts.

Cannabis Cafes Health Risks

• Secondhand Smoke
  People who work in cannabis cafés may be exposed to secondhand smoke for long periods of time, which could increase health risks.
• Food Safety
  Preparing non-cannabis food and beverages with cannabis products may create food safety concerns and increase the risk of cross-contamination.
• Impact on Youth and Communities
  Allowing cannabis use in public places may promote cannabis smoking to young people.
Recent research estimated that approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.

Source: Hasin DS, Saha TD, Kerridge BT, et al. Prevalence of marijuana use disorders in the United States between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015 Dec;72(12):1235-1242. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.1858.



Learn more about the health effects of today's cannabis products click here.

Cannabis Education and Prevention

Although cannabis is legal for adults in California, prevention and education remain important public health priorities. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) program supports:

• Community education
• Youth prevention efforts
• Strategies to reduce cannabis-related harms
• Public health awareness campaign

These efforts help communities make informed choices and support healthier environments. To learn more about Prevention and Education efforts click here.

Did you know?
Cannabis affects people in different ways. Age, health, how often a person uses cannabis, and product strength can all affect how it impacts the body and mind.

Information for Cannabis Café Operators

Cannabis café operators are required to comply with public health guidelines and support safe community environments.

• Los Angeles County or a local municipality has the authority to determine if a cannabis café can obtain a Public Health Permit (PHP) to operate within their jurisdiction.
• The multi-step approval process to obtain a PHP is navigated through the Los Angeles County of Public Health and requires
  • The submission of a plan check application
  • The submission of a site evaluation application
  • The passing of a compliance inspection
  • Visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/business/cannabis.htm for more information
• Local governments have the authority to regulate cannabis cafes within their jurisdictions, allowing them to set stricter safety standards if needed.
• For additional information regarding operational and safety requirements for cannabis cafes in Los Angeles County, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/business/cannabis.htm.

Resources

Cannabis café operators are required to comply with public health guidelines and support safe community environments.

• Determining the Risks of Adopting Cannabis Cafes Within Your Jurisdiction
• Cannabis Cafes-Policies and Regulations for Public Health (Fact Sheet)
• Cannabis Cafes and Health Impacts
• Cannabis Cafes and Health Risks