In the ever-evolving world of cannabis lounges, there’s only one that can truly claim OG status — and it’s not just hype. We’re talking about the one and only Original Cannabis Cafe in West Hollywood.
After a three-year hiatus, the trailblazer that helped define the on-site cannabis consumption experience is officially back and better than ever.
At Beard Bros, we’ve watched firsthand how slow and awkward California’s rollout of consumption lounges has been. Bureaucracy, bans, and backward-thinking zoning laws have stifled what should be a thriving extension of our state’s legal market.
But now, with the return of this West Hollywood legend, there’s a sense of hope and hunger for what’s possible — if we just let cannabis culture breathe.
The OG Lounge That Changed the Game
Let’s rewind to 2019 when the Original Cannabis Cafe first opened its doors. It wasn’t just a gimmick. This was the first-ever licensed cannabis consumption lounge and restaurant in the United States.
That’s history, fam. Tourists, locals, and canna-curious newcomers flocked to the space to experience a joint with their java, a dab with their dessert. It felt revolutionary. It was revolutionary.
And now? That spark’s been reignited.
Located at 1201 North La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood, the cafe reopened its doors on November 17, 2023, bringing with it a refreshed menu, elevated service, and the same stoner-friendly vibes that made it a must-visit hotspot pre-pandemic.
What’s New at the Original Cannabis Cafe?
West Hollywood’s cannabis consumption scene has grown since 2019 — with lounges like The Woods, PleasureMed, and Artist Tree entering the mix — but there’s something undeniably special about this comeback story.
The new iteration of the Original Cannabis Cafe isn’t trying to outdo the competition. Instead, it’s focused on honoring its roots while creating an even more welcoming space for plant lovers of all experience levels.
The Menu
This isn’t your basic bar food. The menu has been revamped under the guidance of Chef Jonah Johnson, offering a tight, flavorful selection of elevated comfort bites designed to complement your cannabis high. Think Korean-style wings, nachos, sliders, and burgers — approachable but packed with flavor, just the way we like it.
And no, there’s no THC in the food (due to regulations), but the menu is curated with flavor and texture in mind for the munchie-enhanced palate. Big win.
Cannabis On-Site? Hell Yes.
This is still a fully licensed cannabis consumption lounge, so yes — you can smoke it, vape it, dab it, or rip a bong right at your table. Their curated menu features premium pre-rolls, edibles, flower, and concentrates from California’s top brands. If you bring your own stash, no problem — you’ll just need to pay a $25 “tokeage” fee.
Need gear? The on-site budtenders can hook you up with everything from rigs to rolling papers. And these aren’t your average retail dispensary employees. They’re passionate, educated, and committed to elevating your experience without being pushy.
The Vibe
The space has always been beautifully designed — with cozy indoor seating, lush outdoor patio space, and a laid-back vibe that screams “SoCal chic.” Expect chill lighting, greenery, and friendly energy that instantly makes you want to order another round of joints and fries.
Whether you’re on a first date, celebrating a win, or just want to unwind without the usual bar scene, this is where cannabis culture thrives.
The Cannabis Lounge Model We Need
Let’s be real — the U.S. cannabis industry needs more places like this. The Original Cannabis Cafe isn’t just about getting high in public. It’s about normalizing cannabis consumption the same way wine bars and breweries normalized alcohol. It’s about building community, culture, and connection in an industry that often forgets those roots.
It’s also about options. For too long, people have had to settle for seshing at home or lurking in alleyways because there was nowhere else to go. This space is proof that cannabis consumption can be sophisticated, safe, and social — and that’s a blueprint the rest of the country should follow.
And let’s not forget: lounges like this create real jobs, tourism dollars, and economic opportunity in a still-stigmatized space.
Know Before You Go
- Address: 1201 N La Brea Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90038
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
- Reservations: Highly recommended — book online at cannabis.cafe
- ID: 21+ only with valid government ID
- BYOW: $25 fee to bring your own weed
- Parking: Valet available, or street parking nearby
Final Toke
We’re stoked to see the Original Cannabis Cafe light up West Hollywood once again. It’s more than just a restaurant or a lounge — it’s a flagship for what cannabis hospitality should look like. It honors the plant, the people, and the progress we’ve made as an industry and culture.
If you’re in LA or planning a visit, this one’s worth a stop. Order some sliders, spark up a joint, and raise a toast to the next chapter of cannabis consumption — written, as always, by the real ones who never stopped fighting for it.
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The post Lounge Spotlight – The Original Cannabis Cafe: West Hollywood’s Trailblazing OG is Back and Blazing Again appeared first on BEARD BROS PHARMS.