LOS ANGELES — A cannabis dispensary in Westwood has big plans to one day offer cannabis, coffee, food and live music all in one place. Dani Shaker, managing partner of Goat Global Enterprises, says current cannabis-licensing regulations from the state and the city of Los Angeles prevent the company from doing just that, as a singular business. So, Goat Global Enterprises is moving forward with a new business: a coffee shop next door to the dispensary.
A new bill could open up more opportunities for the industry. Assembly Bill 1775, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, would allow cities to decide if licensed dispensaries could expand offerings to include live music, ticket sales, coffee and more. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year for going against the state's smoke-free workplace protections, despite the bill receiving bipartisan support in the California Legislature.
In a press release, Haney said he will be working with the governor's office and the Department of Cannabis Control to ensure the new bill allows for cannabis cafes and protects workers’ health.