Comparisons to Amsterdam-Style Cafés Fail to Reflect Critical Safety Regulations
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former Obama White House drug policy advisor, released the following statement today in response to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 1775, which will allow commercial marijuana shops to prepare and serve hot food and nonalcoholic drinks on site, as well as host live performances. It will be the first time in 30 years Californians can smoke at a restaurant.
“For decades Americans fought back against indoor smoking because it is well understood that second hand smoke comes with tremendous risks. Today, despite studies that show secondhand marijuana smoke could be more hazardous to one’s health than secondhand smoke from cigarettes, Governor Newsom put aside the health and safety of workers and the public to line the pockets of big business.
“This legislation was opposed by American Cancer Society and previously vetoed by the Governor because it will inevitably lead to higher rates of cancer and other heartbreaking medical conditions. That’s setting aside the fact that today’s marijuana and high-potency THC drugs are increasingly linked to IQ loss and significant mental health issues including depression, suicidality, psychosis, and schizophrenia.
“Any comparisons to Amsterdam’s cafés fail to recognize several key factors, including that Amsterdam retailers have a THC limit for the customer (5mg/day) and for the shop (disallowing more than 500mg THC in the store at one time) – restrictions California does not have in place. Amsterdam cafés are also banned from advertising, but California has no limits on advertising, meaning so-called cafés will be able to flood communities with kid-friendly advertisements that fail to demonstrate the considerable harm associated with drug use.
“Governor Newsom wants to present himself as a national leader for public policy. Today he showed he’s a national leader in fueling America’s drug crisis. He should be deeply ashamed. This is a giant step backwards.”