A new cannabis era

Although California legalized cannabis, currently there is no place to smoke cannabis in Vallejo legally unless you own a home.

At a minimum, patients that find smoking or vaping their medicine most effective should have a safe place to consume it. On top of that the cannabis tourism industry is a billion-dollar industry, and many tourists are starting to clamor for cannabis to be part of their vacation. Studies show 65 percent of Americans say they would travel to a city or country to experience its licensed cannabis market.

Soon local California governments could allow cannabis businesses to serve food and nonalcoholic drinks and host live music performances under a bill introduced in the California Legislature.

The measure aims to allow for the kind of cannabis cafes that have become popular in Amsterdam. Assemblymember Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, who introduced the measure, said it could help pot shops.

So far San Francisco, Oakland, West Hollywood, and only a handful of cities have operational cannabis lounges in California, but many more are coming online. The Berkeley City Council voted unanimously to permit cannabis lounges in storefront retailers in 2020.

I would hate to see Vallejo fall behind when it comes to cannabis tourism and providing a safe space for patients and recreational users to consume cannabis. I have read how Vallejo is branding itself as a tourist destination, with “The Wet Mile,” and “Gateway to Wine Country” titles.

The city could work with Visit Vallejo to promote cannabis events in Vallejo. Cannabis tourism has become a billiondollar industry. Many cities around the country are starting to cater more to the cannabis curious.

Points of interest include premium cannabis retail shops and their recommended food spots, plus sensory attractions covering art, nature, and cultural experiences. Think of these attractions on the trail as places to expand your mind, unwind, and lose track of time, whether you're craving flavor-packed eats, meditative moments in the sunshine, or unique gift shop finds.

I have spoken with many Vallejo residents who are in support.

There are several reasons why the City of Vallejo should consider allowing cannabis consumption lounges:

• Increased Tax Revenue: Allowing cannabis consumption lounges can provide a source of revenue for the city through taxes and fees associated with their operation. This revenue can be used to fund various public services and programs.

• Safe Consumption: By allowing consumption lounges, the city can provide a safe and regulated environment for people to consume cannabis, instead of allowing consumption in public spaces where it is not only potentially illegal but also poses health and safety risks.

• Reduced Public Consumption: By providing a place for people to legally consume cannabis, the city can reduce the number of incidents of public consumption, which can be a nuisance to residents and businesses.

• Social Equity: The cannabis industry has been historically marginalized, with communities of color being disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. Allowing consumption lounges can help support social equity efforts by providing opportunities for these communities to participate in and benefit from the legal cannabis industry.

• Improved Public Health: By providing a regulated and controlled environment for cannabis consumption, the city can help ensure that consumers have access to safe and tested products, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

It's important to note that any decision to allow cannabis consumption lounges should be made with careful consideration of the specific regulations and policies that will be put in place to ensure their safe and responsible operation. — Tony Bowles, Vallejo