America’s First Cannabis Cafe

 

After California passed the legalization of recreational marijuana use, Los Angeles has been abuzz with speculation of how the popular plant will be integrated into its many hospitality spaces. With only a handful of properties approved for a cannabis license, hospitality concepts are being created to embrace newfound opportunities for guests to experience some of the most innovative concepts in the world. With Original Cannabis Cafe now open, a precedent will soon be set for how similar hospitality concepts will operate in a new era of cannabis consumption.

Officially open since October 1st, West Hollywood’s new Cannabis Cafe has been awarded the title of being the country’s first cannabis cafe–a concept brand new to the hospitality scene in response to California’s passage of recreational cannabis use in 2018. The highly-coveted license required to run the business received over 300 applicants, but was only approved for eight new venues in West Hollywood. 

Unlike weed dispensaries, Cannabis Cafe is approved for on-site consumption of cannabis in the form of flowers, vapes, pre-made edibles, concentrates and extracts. Alcohol consumption and CBD food or drink aren’t available due to state law, but that won’t stop guests from taking a bite from their delicious food menu created by Chef Andrea Drummer. Dishes made to complement the “heightened senses” of cannabis include a fried chicken sandwich, candied pork belly, brussels sprouts and a dessert plate, with items expected to be rotated seasonally. Non-alcoholic mocktails made with fresh ingredients are also available as a refreshing touch.

The trendy space consists of a dining cafe, lounge, and smoking patio along with a retail shop. It isn’t just limited to those wishing to light up, as the property also includes a non-smoking patio and the cafe is open to the public. Along with plenty of plants throughout to keep the space fresh, a custom air-filtration system helps keep smoke away from nearby residents, keeping the party contained to the Cannabis Cafe property.

The impressive venue is filled with natural foliage and a rustic, vintage design modeled after the Lowell Farms product brand. The Santa Barbara County-based company joined with LA’s renowned Houston Hospitality along with Una Mas bartending team to create the perfect combination of experiences. Guests are greeted by “Flower Hosts” who provide tableside service to help them choose from the variety of strains. A “Dab Bar” is available for more experienced smokers who already know their favorites. Reservations are good for an hour and a half with cannabis sales ending at 10pm, but guests are able to bring their own products in for consumption until 2am.

The venue’s initial reservations were fully booked, but now have openings throughout the day for guests to come and enjoy the space. The property is expected to draw in not only locals, but patrons from neighboring states where open marijuana consumption is not yet legal. Whether it be local residents or those travelling to Los Angeles from around the world, Cannabis Cafe makes history and kickstarts a new era of hospitality with the integration of cannabis.