From Mocktails to Music: How Cannabis Cafés Are Revolutionizing California’s Social Scene

The cannabis industry in California is entering an exciting new phase in 2025, blending culinary innovation with cannabis culture in ways never seen before. With the implementation of Assembly Bill 1775, cannabis cafés are set to transform the dining and social experience across the state, providing new opportunities for community, creativity, and commerce.

Among the trailblazers is Sessions by the Bay, located in National City, which is leading the charge in San Diego County’s cannabis café scene. Combining a luxurious Moroccan-inspired atmosphere with a curated menu of cannabis-infused mocktails and artisanal bites, this establishment promises to redefine how Californians enjoy cannabis.

Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Bill 1775 allows cannabis businesses to sell prepackaged, non-cannabis-infused food, non-alcoholic beverages, and tickets to live performances. While alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited, these new venues will focus on crafting unique experiences centered around cannabis consumption.

Sessions by the Bay takes full advantage of this new law. Occupying a 16,000-square-foot space near the marina, it is designed as a haven for relaxation and socialization. Guests can expect cannabis mocktails with flavors as bold and imaginative as their craft cocktail counterparts, alongside thoughtfully paired snacks that enhance the sensory experience of cannabis consumption.

Cannabis-infused beverages, such as mocktails, are poised to become a hallmark of these cafés. By combining low doses of THC or CBD with fresh ingredients like herbs, fruits, and spices, these drinks offer a sophisticated way to enjoy cannabis without smoking. Imagine sipping a lavender-infused THC spritzer or a citrusy CBD cooler, each designed to complement the café’s culinary offerings.

Food pairings are another key element. While the new law restricts cafés to serving prepackaged items that are not infused with cannabis, establishments like Sessions by the Bay are getting creative. Their menu is expected to feature small plates that complement the effects of cannabis, such as spicy snacks that enhance euphoria or sweet treats that soothe the palate after consumption.

What sets cannabis cafés apart is their emphasis on community and entertainment. Under the new law, these venues can host live performances, creating a dynamic environment where patrons can enjoy music, comedy, or even art shows while partaking in cannabis. Sessions by the Bay has already planned a robust schedule of events to make every visit memorable, from acoustic concerts to open mic nights.

Cannabis cafés represent more than just a place to unwind—they’re a sign of how far cannabis culture has come. By integrating cannabis into California’s vibrant food and entertainment scenes, these cafés are helping to normalize its use and promote a more sophisticated narrative around its consumption.

For local communities, these cafés also hold economic promise.

They’re expected to attract both residents and tourists, driving traffic to nearby businesses and boosting local economies. For San Diego County, Sessions by the Bay could set a new standard for cannabis hospitality, serving as a template for other businesses looking to enter this burgeoning market.

As Sessions by the Bay prepares for its soft opening on January 17, the excitement is palpable. The grand opening, slated for February 7, will offer the first real glimpse into this bold new direction for cannabis and culinary culture.

The question now is not just how these cafés will operate, but how they will shape California’s relationship with cannabis. With creativity and community at their core, they have the potential to turn what was once a taboo topic into a celebrated part of everyday life.

Would You Visit a Cannabis Café for Mocktails and Live Performances?