Logo for "California NORML Reports" featuring green text for "California" with a stylized cannabis leaf above it, and bold black text for "NORML REPORTS" below—perfect for updates on CA Hemp Regulations or CDPH hearing news. CA Norml

CDPH Holds Hearing on CA Hemp Regulations

The California Dept. of Public Health held a hearing today on proposed regulations extending a ban on hemp-derived products with any amount of THC, along with establishing an age limitation of 21, limiting the number of doses per container to five, etc. The full transcript of the hearing will be available later today or tomorrow, …

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Line graph comparing monthly California Cannabis sales and Michigan from 2021 to 2025. California sales, impacted by the Cannabis Tax Increase, decrease overall, while Michigan sales rise, with both states' numbers converging by 2025. CA Norml

Initial Impacts of The California Cannabis Excise Tax Increase

Cal NORML put out word through our email alert list this week asking cannabis consumers and businesses to tell us about the initial impacts of the 26% excise tax increase that hit cannabis in California on July 1. Several consumers and businesses reported damaging repercussions; some of the responses are below. “To be honest even …

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Graph showing cannabis felonies in California from 1960–2020, peaking in 1975 at 85,757 before falling sharply after marijuana decriminalization and the Moscone Act, with Cal NORML noting $100 million annual enforcement savings. CA Norml

Cal NORML Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Marijuana Decriminalization in California in July

July 9, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of California’s landmark marijuana decriminalization law, the Moscone Act, which reduced the penalty for possessing an ounce or less of marijuana from a felony to a citable misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine and no jail. The law, sponsored by then-Senator George Moscone and California NORML, was signed …

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Sacramento Capitol with leaf cloud

Bills Addressing Cannabis Taxes, Hemp, Vaporizers and More Progress in California

UPDATED 7/10/2025 The following bills affecting cannabis have been introduced in California, and are moving through the legislative process: KEY BILL AB 564 (Haney) – Cal NORML-sponsored bill to halt a pending cannabis excise tax increase from 15% to 19%. Passed Senate Revenue & Tax committee 5-0 on July 9. Heading to Appropriations sometime after …

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Cal NORML director Dale Gieringer points to a timeline about marijuana law reform in California, showing how people could be arrested for felony possession for a joint before 1976.

Arrested for a Joint in California Before 1976? We Want to Hear From You

Were you arrested for possessing an ounce or less of marijuana in California before 1976?  If so, Cal NORML would like to hear your story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of California’s landmark decriminalization law, the Moscone Act, which was sponsored by Cal NORML and decriminalized possession of one ounce of marijuana from a …

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A presentation slide titled "What does the data tell us?" shows a graph and text about the cannabis market in 2024. It highlights a decrease in retail sales value by 4.4%, growth in units sold by 5.2%, and a decline in licenses by 18%. Additionally, it notes that the cannabis market is maturing, with increased consumption and production despite decreasing prices, and suggests consolidation for more price stability. CA Norml

“Joint” Hearing Held on Condition of California Cannabis Industry

A “Joint” informational hearing on March 11 before the Assembly and Senate Business and Professions committees on the CA Department of Cannabis Control’s new Condition and Health of the Cannabis Industry Report presented a grim picture of the state of the industry and its future. Asm. Mike Gipson (D-LA), chair of the Assembly Revenue & …

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A diverse group of people, including individuals with mobility aids, stands smiling on steps in front of a grand building. Many wear lanyards, hinting at a Cal NORML conference or event gathering. The backdrop features large, decorative doors celebrating their accomplishments. CA Norml

Join Us at Lobby Day in Sacramento on March 24, 2025

All Californians are invited to attend the California NORML/Americans for Safe Access Citizen Lobby Day on Monday, March 24 in Sacramento. The event will bring supporters from across the state to meet with their state representatives and make our voices heard on pending legislation affecting the rights of cannabis consumers in California. We have moved …

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