Thanks to recent changes in states’ marijuana laws, pot-friendly tourists have 11 states (and the District of Columbia) where they can legally and recreationally smoke weed – just not in public. That is until October 1, 2019, when California became the first state to open a cannabis cafe, where patrons can openly consume cannabis while enjoying a meal. Only 10 days after opening its doors in Los Angeles, we visited Lowell’s Farms Cannabis Cafe to participate in this historic experience.
It’s surreal that a legal cannabis cafe can exist considering that there are still people incarcerated for marijuana possession. Even where the drug is recreationally legal for purchase (like Colorado, Washington, and Oregon) laws still prevent anyone from consuming marijuana outside of a privately owned residence.
California (unsurprisingly) takes cannabis hospitality to the next level, and Lowell’s Farms Cannabis Cafe is only the beginning. In 2018, West Hollywood issued a total of eight public cannabis consumption licenses, and as national opinion of the drug softens we predict more cannabis cafes will begin to crop up around the country. However, while Lowell’s Farms Cannabis Cafe may be the first of its kind, we’re not convinced it’s the best the industry has to offer.
| 1. | The Holly-weed Experience |
| 2. | Delving into the Weeds |
| 3. | Once We Got the Muchies |
| 4. | To Be Blunt |
Thanks to recent changes in states’ marijuana laws, pot-friendly tourists have 11 states (and the District of Columbia) where they can legally and recreationally smoke weed – just not in public. That is until October 1, 2019, when California became the first state to open a cannabis cafe, where patrons can openly consume cannabis while enjoying a meal. Only 10 days after opening its doors in Los Angeles, we visited Lowell’s Farms Cannabis Cafe to participate in this historic experience.
It’s surreal that a legal cannabis cafe can exist considering that there are still people incarcerated for marijuana possession. Even where the drug is recreationally legal for purchase (like Colorado, Washington, and Oregon) laws still prevent anyone from consuming marijuana outside of a privately owned residence.
California (unsurprisingly) takes cannabis hospitality to the next level, and Lowell’s Farms Cannabis Cafe is only the beginning. In 2018, West Hollywood issued a total of eight public cannabis consumption licenses, and as national opinion of the drug softens we predict more cannabis cafes will begin to crop up around the country. However, while Lowell’s Farms Cannabis Cafe may be the first of its kind, we’re not convinced it’s the best the industry has to offer.
| 1. | The Holly-weed Experience |
| 2. | Delving into the Weeds |
| 3. | Once We Got the Muchies |
| 4. | To Be Blunt |
The Holly-weed Experience
Online reservations aren’t required (and come with a $50 per person cancellation fee) but are easy to make and highly recommended. While traffic to the pioneer cannabis cafe is beginning to slow, we booked our reservation three weeks in advance on a weekday because no tables were available on the weekend. After arriving and paying the $5 valet, we noticed a pretty long line forming on the sidewalk outside the parking lot. Before ushering us to the front, the doorman told us that those without a reservation typically waited anywhere between 1 to 6 hours for a table.
Once inside, Lowell’s gives off the cozy vibe of a 1920’s speakeasy, and we loved it. Old timey logos printed on exposed brick walls are obscured by overgrown vines, and framed black and white celebrity mugshots were scattered across faded wallpaper like an italian ristoranti. Although state law discourages them from selling alcohol, the space was dominated by a large cherry red wooden bar. The cannabis cafe also has a gorgeous outdoor seating area, but in the dry, midday heat of the L.A. sun we wouldn’t recommend it.
Although cannabis consumption is nothing new for the local patrons, there was definitely a young relaxed and empowering vibe characteristic of West Hollywood. The day we arrived, the restaurant was packed, but no one felt rushed, picture taking was encouraged, and the wait staff was friendly and courteous. The Lowell’s site asks patrons to limit their time in the restaurant to only 90 minutes but we never got the feeling that anyone was watching the clock.
Delving into the Weeds
After being seated two people served us: the waiter and the budtender. You pay for food and cannabis separately. Separate checks, separate staff.
The first person to help us was the budtender, who supplied us with a large menu of cannabis that included flower, pre-rolled joints, infused drinks, candy edibles, and concentrates. The restaurant features their own brand, Lowell Smokes, heavily on the menu and their 1 gram pre-roll OG KB was more than enough for the two of us. Like most high THC sativas, it provided a relaxing euphoric high for just over $20.
If you neglected to bring your own smokeware, Lowell’s Cannabis Cafe gives away loads of match boxes and rents a variety of pipes, bongs, vapes, and glass rigs. Don’t come too prepared however, as bringing your own cannabis into the restaurant incurs a $30 per person tokeage fee, and tobacco is not allowed.
Once We Got the Muchies
While Lowell’s Cafe has all the hallmarks of a restaurant where they also serve cannabis, it’s actually a cannabis dispensary with a cafe. Cannabis infused food, outside of pre-packaged edibles, are still illegal in California, so all of the dishes at Lowell’s Cafe are served virgin.
The one-page menu has light fair, including salads, sandwiches, and a pretty good double pattied angus smash burger. However, the majority of their food is listed as snacks, including the mac and cheese bites and mini corn dogs we ordered. As can be expected of California, Lowell’s Cannabis Cafe pride themselves with their farm-to-table offerings, but it didn’t make up for the high price of the tapas-sized snacks.
The food at Lowell’s Cafe is good, but we expected more in a city where you can throw a rock and hit an authentic Mexican taco truck. Just half-a-mile down the street from Lowell’s is a hot-dog stand renowned throughout the city. You’ll enjoy both, but if you only have time to eat at one go to Pink’s.
Without any place for comparison, it’s hard to judge Lowell’s cannabis cafe. They have better food and atmosphere than any coffee shop you’ll find in Amsterdam, but Los Angeles is flooded with upscale dispensaries and fantastic restaurants.
Lowell’s may not even be the best example of what’s to come. Other states are already clamoring to open their own, so what would a cannabis cafe be like in the middle of Wyoming or Kansas? How would a Cannabis dive bar, fine-dining restaurant, cafeteria, or all-you-can-eat buffet operate? Will this really take off, or will it be just another restaurant with a smoking section? Only time will tell.
Our real fascination is the concept more than it’s execution, the unique experience of having a meal while openly consuming cannabis. We can’t describe the cocktail of emotions, ranging from relaxed to empowered, we felt watching artsy LA locals toke up around us without fear knowing the city is still trying to clear up 50,000 marijuana convictions. Every puff feels like a victory against the failed war on drugs and every bite makes history.
