California

California draws a hard line between alcohol venues and cannabis venues. Under AB 8 (September 2025), all intoxicating hemp-derived THC products — including seltzers, wines, and ratio drinks — were pulled from ABC-licensed bars and restaurants and pushed into the regulated cannabis marketplace. If a venue has a liquor license, it cannot serve THC beverages. If a venue serves THC beverages on-site, it holds a cannabis retailer license with a consumption endorsement, not an ABC license.

THC beverages are served at licensed cannabis consumption lounges and cafes. Thanks to AB 1775 (in effect January 2025), these venues may now prepare and serve non-cannabis food on-site and host ticketed live entertainment — the closest thing California has to a cannabis restaurant. Local jurisdictions decide whether to permit lounges at all; West Hollywood, San Francisco, San Diego, and parts of Los Angeles County lead the way.

Cannabis beverages sold at licensed lounges are capped at 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg per package. Every product is lab-tested by a state-licensed lab and clearly labeled with THC content, serving size, and ingredients before it reaches a menu.

Sales and on-site service are restricted to guests 21 and older. A valid, government-issued ID is required at the door and at point of sale — no exceptions.

By state rule, cannabis consumption lounges cannot serve alcohol, and ABC-licensed venues cannot serve or promote THC products. If you want both in one night, you're doing two stops.