Nation’s first cannabis cafe could open in West Hollywood next month

But the owners still need a state cannabis license

A rendering of Lowell Farms Cannabis Cafe (Credit: Lowell Farms, iStock)
A rendering of Lowell Farms Cannabis Cafe (Credit: Lowell Farms, iStock)

Diners will soon be able to have a joint alongside their morning coffee in Los Angeles.

The owners behind Lowell Cafe were handed a major victory last Tuesday when the West Hollywood Business License Commission approved their license, paving the way for America’s first cannabis lounge to open.

Flore Flora LLC, the ownership entity, still needs a state cannabis license before they can open, though that’s not expected to be difficult. The cafe is expected to open next month at 1201 N. La Brea Avenue, WeHoville reported.

Lowell Cafe will allow customers to smoke, vape and consume cannabis on its outdoor patio. There will also be sandwiches, coffee and salads on the menu. Per state law, the cafe won’t serve alcohol, nor cannabis products after 10 p.m.

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Not everyone is thrilled about Lowell Cafe opening, however. Rabbi Denise Eger of Congregation Kol Ami, which sits across the street from the proposed cafe, has been leading the opposition against it, citing concerns about smoke drifting to the congregation.

The commission decided to grant Flore Flora the license regardless. The restaurant will have air purification systems as well as odor-absorbing plants to ensure that the smell is not detectable outside the cafe.

The license comes roughly six months after city officials granted preliminary licenses for cannabis consumption lounges to 20 out of 122 applicants.

Last week, the commission also approved a license for Pleasure Med LLC. The owner, Brian Robinson, is planning on opening PleasureMed at 7715 Santa Monica Boulevard, adjacent to his Pleasure Chest adult store. [Wehoville] — Natalie Hoberman