Woody Harrelson’s Cannabis Advocacy and The Woods: Pioneering Cannabis Cafés
Actor and long-time cannabis advocate Woody Harrelson has been at the forefront of efforts to normalize cannabis consumption, blending his passion for the plant with a business venture that embodies his vision for its future. In 2022, Harrelson launched The Woods, a luxurious cannabis dispensary and lounge in West Hollywood, California. His goal? To create an Amsterdam-style cannabis café where patrons can not only consume cannabis but also enjoy food and drinks in a comfortable and vibrant setting.
The Woods: A Unique Cannabis Experience
The Woods is no ordinary dispensary. Harrelson’s establishment features a serene outdoor lounge with lush greenery, cabanas, and water features, designed to offer a tranquil and inviting environment. Visitors can browse a curated selection of cannabis products, including premium flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals.
“What we’re trying to do here is normalize cannabis,” Harrelson shared during the dispensary’s opening. “It’s about creating a place where people feel welcome and can enjoy cannabis without stigma.”
The vision for The Woods extends beyond being a dispensary. Harrelson envisions it as a full-service cannabis café, akin to the famed establishments in Amsterdam. However, existing California laws have historically prevented cannabis lounges from serving food and beverages, hindering his plans.
The Push for the Cannabis Café Bill
To overcome these legal barriers, Harrelson became an outspoken advocate for Assembly Bill 374, also known as the Cannabis Café Bill. Introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, the bill aimed to allow licensed cannabis lounges to serve fresh food, non-alcoholic beverages, and host live entertainment. These changes would enable lounges like The Woods to expand their offerings and create a more comprehensive social experience for patrons.
Harrelson testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for a welcoming environment where cannabis consumers could gather and enjoy their experience. “Cannabis isn’t just about the product; it’s about the community and the culture,” he explained. “We need spaces that reflect that.”
California Legalizes Cannabis Cafés
In October 2024, Harrelson’s advocacy efforts bore fruit when California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 374 into law. Effective January 1, 2025, the legislation allows cannabis lounges to:
- Serve fresh food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Host live entertainment and community events.
- Enhance their ambiance to attract a broader audience.
The law marks a significant milestone in the cannabis industry, making California the first U.S. state to adopt a cannabis café model similar to Amsterdam’s.
“This is a game-changer for cannabis hospitality,” Harrelson remarked after the bill’s passage. “It’s not just a win for my business but for the entire cannabis community.”
The Future of The Woods
With the Cannabis Café Bill in place, The Woods plans to expand its offerings, introducing coffee, pastries, and light meals to complement its cannabis products. Harrelson also aims to host live music and cultural events, transforming The Woods into a hub for cannabis culture.
Balancing Innovation with Public Safety
While the new law opens exciting possibilities for cannabis lounges, it also includes measures to address public health and safety:
- Local governments are empowered to establish regulations to protect workers from exposure to cannabis smoke.
- Cannabis cafés must comply with strict operational guidelines to ensure responsible consumption and community engagement.
A Step Toward Normalization
Woody Harrelson’s efforts to pioneer cannabis cafés in California reflect a broader movement toward normalizing cannabis use in social and cultural contexts. The success of AB 374 is not just a testament to Harrelson’s passion and advocacy but also a signal of changing attitudes toward cannabis in the United States.
As The Woods prepares to roll out its expanded services in 2025, it will serve as a model for the future of cannabis hospitality, blending innovation, culture, and community in a way that few establishments have achieved.