California’s New Cannabis Cafes Are Here—But Driving High is Illegal

Have you considered the consequences of driving high? California is taking cannabis culture to the next level. Starting January 1, 2025, the state will allow Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes—licensed spots where you can enjoy cannabis products alongside non-psychoactive food, nonalcoholic drinks, and even live entertainment.

Sounds like the perfect vibe, right? Good food, good music, and a relaxing smoke. But here is the thing: while cannabis laws are evolving, California DUI laws are not.

Cannabis Cafes Are Legal—But Driving High Is not

These new cannabis-friendly lounges are part of Assembly Bill 1775. The goal? To boost revenue for dispensaries and enhance California’s growing cannabis scene. These cafes allow:

●        Legal cannabis consumption on-site

●        Non-psychoactive food and nonalcoholic beverages

●        Live music and performances

But just like you can’t legally drive after drinking at a bar, you also can’t drive after consuming cannabis at one of these new cafes. Driving high is still driving under the influence (DUI)—and the law takes it seriously.

What Happens If You Are Driving High in California?

Let us clear something up: the effects of cannabis on driving are not the same as alcohol—but they are still dangerous.

Cannabis can:

●        Slow your reaction time

●        Disrupt your coordination

●        Impair your decision-making

And those are three things you definitely need to drive safely. Get caught driving under the influence of cannabis, and you could be looking at:

●        Up to 6 months in jail

●        Over $2,000 in fines

●        License suspension

●        A permanent criminal record

●        Higher insurance rates

On top of all that? You could seriously injure someone—or worse. Driving high could result in life-altering consequences.

A Real Example: Legal Cannabis Does not Mean Legal Driving

In January 2025, a driver in California was pulled over with a large amount of marijuana in his vehicle. He was more than just under the influence—he was transporting cannabis illegally. But it is a reminder: even legal cannabis can land you in serious legal trouble if used irresponsibly.

Think of it like driving with an open beer. It is still illegal, even if alcohol is legal.

Do not Let a DUI Ruin Your Life

As cannabis cafes pop up across California, it is important to remember just because you can enjoy cannabis in public does not mean you should drive afterward. There are simple ways to avoid driving high while enjoying cannabis cafes. Be smart about it:

●        Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft

●        Call a friend or set up a designated driver

●        Wait until the effects have fully worn off before getting behind the wheel

Legal cannabis is here to stay—but that freedom comes with responsibility. Stay safe out there, and let the good vibes roll… responsibly.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for Help

André Ríos Bollinger believes that his clients are the most important part of any case. He helps clients make smart decisions about their case and their futures, whether that is getting the best deal or winning the case at trial. He wants his clients to be successful, not just in their case, but in life. Ríos Bollinger Law handles cases in state and federal court. Let our team help you put life back on track. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Se habla español.