Cannabis in the restaurant industry explained

There are various intersections of cannabis and the restaurant industry.

Cannabis culture

Cannabis-themed restaurants

Among cannabis-themed restaurants is the fast food chain Cheba Hut, which is named after the 1980s song about marijuana "Cheeba Cheeba".[1] [2] The Joint opened in Sanford, Florida, in 2023.[3]

Marketing and April 20 ("420") promotions

Some restaurant chains have "nodded" to cannabis consumers on social media, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and Denny's.[4] Notable chains that have offered specials on April 20, a date with significance in cannabis culture ("420"), include:

In New Mexico, a McDonald's franchise placed a billboard with the text, "Usually, when you roll something this good, it's illegal!" The parent company removed the ad and said in a statement, "this local franchise's billboard does not meet our standards".

On-site consumption

Coffeeshops are establishments in the Netherlands where the sale of cannabis for personal consumption by the public is tolerated by the local authorities.

In Portland, Oregon, the World Famous Cannabis Cafe operated between 2009 and 2016.

Cannabis-infused menu offerings

In 2023, CBD CBN began serving infused food and drinks in Edmonton, Alberta.[12]

United States

In 2018, USA Today said more restaurants in the U.S. were offering menus with cannabidiol (CBD)-infused options.[13] The trade publication Nation's Restaurant News said, "A few chefs in the 10 states, and the District of Columbia ... have thrown pot-laced dinners. Those meals are generally held offsite, and the edible marijuana products are provided by staff from licensed dispensaries, and guests have to add it themselves".[14] The same publication said in 2019, "Restaurants are taking their relationship with hemp to the next level by adding CBD or cannabinoids to dishes."[15]

The Original Cannabis Café, established as Lowell Cafe in West Hollywood, California in late 2019, was the "first restaurant to legally sell pot for on-site consumption" in the United States.[16] [17] Fried, a fast casual restaurant in St. Louis with CBD-infused sauces, opened in 2019.[18] [19] In 2022, Nashville's first cannabis restaurant began offering "legal, hemp-derived THC-infused condiments, desserts and mocktails",[20] and the opening of Wild Montrose marked Houston's "first entirely legal cannabis-infused dining experience".[21]

In 2023, the American cannabis magazine High Times said, "there's a niche in the edibles industry that's continuing to grow: cannabis dining events. While there are still many limitations to cannabis infused dining, such as restrictive laws about public consumption or a lack of approved consumption lounges, many successful chef-led dining experiences are putting spotlight both on cannabis as an ingredient, as well as the consumer enjoying unique dishes infused with the herb."[22] In 2023, Hi Flora! opened as Minnesota's first THC restaurant,[23] and the San Antonio soul food restaurant MxiCanna Cafe gives patrons the option of adding drops of delta-8.[24] In Houston, Ninfa's debuted a cannabis-infused margarita on April 20, 2024.[25]

Industry impact

In 2014, Nation's Restaurant News said, "pot tourism is inevitable, and the marketing possibilities are substantial for restaurants targeting visitors with the munchies".[26]

In 2018, The Denver Post said higher wages in the cannabis industry were "eating into restaurant hiring pool".[27] In Maine, restaurants were reportedly losing workers to the cannabis industry in 2019.[28]

Legal status

In 2023, Montgomery County health officials warned restaurants in Maryland not to sell cannabis-infused drinks or food,[29] and Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to legalize Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in California.[30]

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rangel . Nina . Second cannabis-themed Cheba Hut sandwich shop opening in San Antonio . 2024-04-21 . San Antonio Current . en . 2023-11-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231112012922/https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink/second-cannabis-themed-cheba-hut-sandwich-shop-opening-in-san-antonio-33030510 . live .
  2. News: Tuttle . Brad . 2012-05-03 . The Marijuana-Themed Chain Restaurant on a Smoking-Hot Roll . 2024-04-21 . Time . en-US . 0040-781X . 2023-09-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230927111439/https://business.time.com/2012/05/03/the-marijuana-themed-chain-restaurant-on-a-smoking-hot-roll/ . live .
  3. Web site: Tolley . Patricia . March 6, 2023 . Hollerbach's German Restaurant CEO opens new cannabis-themed eatery in Sanford concert venue/bar . 2024-04-21 . Orlando Business Journal . 2023-03-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230307134208/https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2023/03/06/hollerbachs-restaurant-ceo-shares-future-plans.html . live .
  4. Web site: 2018-02-01 . It’s high time for restaurants to pay attention to marijuana . 2024-04-21 . Nation's Restaurant News . en . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421035129/https://www.nrn.com/whats-hot/it-s-high-time-restaurants-pay-attention-marijuana . live .
  5. Web site: 2023-04-19 . Chains celebrate international cannabis day with 4/20 promotions . 2024-04-21 . Nation's Restaurant News . en . 2023-09-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230921131042/https://www.nrn.com/food-trends/chains-celebrate-international-cannabis-day-420-promotions . live .
  6. Web site: 4/20 food deals: Cure your munchies with discounts on subs, cookies, wings, burgers and more . 2024-04-21 . The Florida Times-Union . en-US . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421033744/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/state/2024/04/17/420-food-deals-restaurants-offer-specials-for-marijuana-holiday/73352707007/ . live .
  7. Web site: Cobe . Patricia . Cannabis is now legal in many states, but restaurants are still celebrating 4/20 with marijuana-themed mash-ups . 2024-04-21 . Restaurant Business . en . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421033745/https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/cannabis-now-legal-many-states-restaurants-are-still-celebrating-420-marijuana-themed . live .
  8. News: Jimmy John's selling Deliciously Dope Dime Bag to celebrate 4/20. How much is it?. The goodie bag will include a stacked sandwich, a brownie and a weed-rolling tray, all to celebrate the nation's highest holiday. They're available through April 21.. Amaris. Encinas. USA Today. 2024-04-21. 2024-04-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20240421033744/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/04/16/jimmy-johns-420-deliciously-dope-dime-bag/73343266007/. live.
  9. Web site: 2024-04-16 . Restaurant brands roll out 4/20 promotions . 2024-04-21 . Nation's Restaurant News . en . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421033744/https://www.nrn.com/marketing/restaurant-brands-roll-out-420-promotions . live .
  10. Web site: 2024-04-20 . For 4/20, restaurants add munchie food specials to the cannabis celebration . 2024-04-21 . The Mercury News . en-US . 2024-04-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240420035754/https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/04/19/for-4-20-restaurants-add-munchie-food-specials-to-the-cannabis-celebration/ . live .
  11. Web site: 2024-04-18 . Dallas-based Wingstop debuts ‘THC’ hot wings for 420 . 2024-04-21 . Dallas News . en . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421041533/https://www.dallasnews.com/food/2024/04/18/dallas-based-wingstop-debuts-thc-hot-wings-for-420/ . live .
  12. News: Snowdon . Wallis . October 21, 2023 . Cannabis for dinner? New Edmonton restaurant wants to serve pot-infused drinks and eats . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421040711/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/new-edmonton-restaurant-pot-infused-drinks-and-eats-1.7003243 . April 21, 2024 . April 21, 2024 . CBC News.
  13. Web site: These restaurants are serving CBD-infused food . 2024-04-21 . USA TODAY . en-US . 2023-05-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230501104352/https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/2018/10/07/these-restaurants-are-serving-cbd-infused-food/38085029/ . live .
  14. Web site: 2018-11-13 . Marijuana in restaurants: Pipe dream or soon-to-be reality? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421035128/https://www.nrn.com/consumer-trends/marijuana-restaurants-pipe-dream-or-soon-be-reality . 2024-04-21 . 2024-04-21 . Nation's Restaurant News . en.
  15. Web site: 2019-04-16 . Mainstreaming marijuana culture . 2024-04-21 . Nation's Restaurant News . en . 2023-09-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230926061145/https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/mainstreaming-marijuana-culture . live .
  16. Web site: 2020-01-17 . Andrea Drummer, chef of the Original Cannabis Café, is a pioneer in bringing marijuana to restaurants . 2024-04-21 . Nation's Restaurant News . en . 2021-11-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211128085825/https://www.nrn.com/people/andrea-drummer-chef-original-cannabis-caf-pioneer-bringing-marijuana-restaurants . live .
  17. Web site: Holmes . Mona . 2023-11-16 . LA’s First Legal Cannabis Lounge Finally Reopens After Three-Year Pandemic Pause . 2024-04-21 . Eater LA . en . 2024-04-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240419233912/https://la.eater.com/2023/11/16/23963249/original-cannabis-cafe-weed-marijuana-consumption-lounge-west-hollywoods-reopen-los-angeles-la . live .
  18. Web site: Suen . Mabel . 2019-05-01 . Fried, a Cannabis-Themed Fast-Casual Restaurant Serving CBD-Infused Sauces, Opens in St. Louis . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421041840/https://www.feastmagazine.com/cannabis/fried-a-cannabis-themed-fast-casual-restaurant-serving-cbd-infused-sauces-opens-in-st-louis/article_abc41164-6c54-11e9-b726-134e96133194.html . 2024-04-21 . 2024-04-21 . Feast Magazine . en.
  19. Web site: 2019-04-09 . Cannabis-themed restaurant to open this week . 2024-04-21 . ksdk.com . en-US . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421233816/https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/cannabis-themed-restaurant-to-open-this-week/63-fe64b68f-1cef-47f1-8e38-5522754d7cb0 . live .
  20. Web site: 2022-07-28 . Nashville’s 1st cannabis restaurant set for Thursday opening . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421040218/https://wreg.com/news/mid-south/nashvilles-1st-cannabis-restaurant-set-for-thursday-opening/ . 2024-04-21 . 2024-04-21 . WREG.com . en-US.
  21. Web site: Houston’s First Cannabis-Centric Dining Experience Opens in Montrose . 2024-04-21 . Houstonia Magazine . en-US . 2023-03-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230328022415/https://www.houstoniamag.com/eat-and-drink/2022/09/wild-montrose-cannabis-cbd-thc-restaurant-opens . live .
  22. Web site: Potter . Nicole . 2023-11-20 . The Perfect Pairings: Cannabis Dining Is a Night To Remember . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240118210512/https://hightimes.com/culture/the-perfect-pairings-cannabis-dining-is-a-night-to-remember/ . 2024-01-18 . 2024-04-21 . High Times . en-US.
  23. News: Kennedy . Audrey . July 19, 2023 . We tried it: "Minnesota's first THC restaurant," Hi Flora! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421033735/https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/19/hi-flora-thc-restaurant-first-look-minneapolis . April 21, 2024 . April 21, 2024 . Axios Twin Cities.
  24. News: Stephen . Paul . S.A. chef serves cannabis-infused dinners . 2024-04-21 . San Antonio Express-News . en . 2023-08-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230830213810/https://www.expressnews.com/food/restaurants/article/san-antonio-chef-serves-cannabis-infused-dinners-18338075.php . live .
  25. News: Garcia . Sonia . Ninfa's debuting its first cannabis-infused margarita on 4/20 . 2024-04-21 . Houston Chronicle . en . 2024-04-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240418184136/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/article/ninfas-cannabis-margarita-houston-19404332.php . live .
  26. Web site: 2014-01-02 . What legal marijuana could mean for you . 2024-04-21 . Nation's Restaurant News . en . 2021-08-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210801231509/https://www.nrn.com/blog/what-legal-marijuana-could-mean-you . live .
  27. Web site: 2018-03-07 . Not enough cooks in the kitchen: Big wages paid by marijuana industry eating into restaurant hiring pool . 2024-04-21 . The Denver Post . en-US . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421035129/https://www.denverpost.com/2018/03/07/marijuana-wages-affect-restaurant-jobs-employment/ . live .
  28. Web site: Schroeder . Nick . 2019-09-30 . Maine restaurants are losing workers to the cannabis industry . 2024-04-21 . Bangor Daily News . en-US . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421033737/https://www.bangordailynews.com/2019/09/30/news/maine-restaurant-workers-are-finding-the-marijuana-industry-much-more-appealing/ . live .
  29. Web site: Fitzgerald . Tom . 2023-07-27 . Montgomery County health officials warn restaurants not to sell cannabis-infused food, drinks . 2024-04-21 . FOX 5 DC . en-US . 2023-09-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230928140814/https://www.fox5dc.com/news/montgomery-county-health-officials-warn-restaurants-not-to-sell-cannabis-infused-food-drinks . live .
  30. Web site: 2023-10-10 . Bill to allow Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in California goes up in smoke with Newsom veto . 2024-04-21 . . en-US . 2024-04-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240421043231/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-10/cannabis-cafe-bill-gavin-newsom-vetoes-california . live .