Are there any cannabis cafes open in the USA currently?
Yes. The first cannabis cafe, Cannabis Cafe, opened in California in October of 2019.
What are the regulations concerning cannabis cafes in the state of Illinois?
As of the November 2019 legislation, public smoking of cannabis will be restricted to cannabis lounges and dispensaries. On December 17, 2019 CBS 2 reporter Vince Gerasole facilitated a Reddit Ask Me Anything on Monday to answer questions about the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois. The following is from CBS Chicago:
“Question: Do you think Illinois will see cannabis cafes soon? The bill allows municipalities to decide if they will allow cafes/bars in which cannabis can be consumed on the premises. Do you think any municipalities will allow such cafes, and is there an interest from cannabis companies to open and run them?
Neffer-Oduntunde Kerr: Because the city is going to allow dispensaries, a proposed idea has been to also allow and provide add-on consumption spaces connected to dispensaries for patrons. Especially since there will be individuals who legally will not be able to consume cannabis in their homes, but still have a right to use the product. Allowing consumption spaces will also increase revenue for the city.”
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However, Chicago is facing a budget shortfall of one billion dollars. And, despite that the Illinois budget deficit has purportedly shrunk due to the sale of obligation bonds, it still runs to billions of dollars.
We think it is only a matter of time before Cannabis cafes will open for business in Illinois.