Ellen Komp

Three people stand in a row, smiling. The man in the center, wearing glasses and a suit, holds a plaque. The man on the left has glasses, a beard, and wears a suit with a red tie. The woman on the right wears a dark jacket. A beige curtain is in the background. CA Norml

Cal NORML’s 2019 Accomplishments and Plans for 2020

Graphic featuring a golden '50th Anniversary' banner with sunburst rays in the background. Below, the text 'Cal NORML' is written in uppercase letters, with the 'O' depicted as a cannabis leaf. The design is framed by a thin black border, celebrating past accomplishments and plans for 2020. CA NormlNORML will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2020!

Cal NORML keeps our members informed of cannabis news at the federal, state, and local levels through our newsletter, website, and weekly email alerts, as well as public outreach tables at events. Through NORML’s networks we generate thousands of constituent letters in favor of progressive bills, and against ones that take away our rights.

Now is not the time to stop the fight! Please support Cal NORML with a membership donation. Click Here to Donate or see our Cal NORML store and purchase merchandise.…

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California Adds Cannabis Smoke and THC to Prop. 65 List of Reproductive Toxins

UPDATE: OEHHA Issues Notice of Modifications to Cannabis Smoke and Delta-9-THC Exposure Warnings​
The CA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has proposed changes to the labeling of cannabis products and signage at venues​ where cannabis is smoked, vaped or dabbed following its ruling (opposed by CA NORML​) that cannabis smoke and THC are reproductive toxins. Comments regarding the proposed changes to the text of regulations will be accepted by OEHHA through October 8, 2021 at https://oehha.ca.gov/comments…

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Common Insurance Policy Contract Wording That All Cannabis and Hemp Businesses Should Avoid

By Shauna Blackburn of Cannabis Connect Insurance Services

It is important to know that every cannabis business in the chain of custody (cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distributing, wholesalers and retailers alike) is responsible for tracking and protecting against product tampering.

Below are some policy forms, exclusions, or endorsements often found on a general liability insurance policy that should be avoided for cannabis businesses:

• Smoking Exclusion: Smoking exclusions in regards to cannabis and hemp use is a “no brainer” for dispensaries, but since the grower, processors and others in the chain of custody do not always know where the flower or oil will end up, this endorsement would leave everyone in the chain of custody exposed.…

A close-up of two people exchanging cash on a glass display counter. One person is handing over dollar bills, while the other person's hand, wearing a gold watch, is poised near a transparent jar filled with more dollar bills. Three small glass containers are visible on the counter, perhaps for cannabis products endorsed by NORML. CA Norml

Cal NORML Denounces Cannabis Tax Hike

November 22, 2019 – The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has announced two cannabis tax hikes effective January 1, 2020.  The perverse effect of this move will be to make legal, regulated cannabis even less economically competitive with the untaxed, unregulated legacy market.

Cal NORML regards the moves as steps precisely in the wrong direction, and is urging the legislature to reduce cannabis taxes instead.

The CDTFA announced that it will raise the mark-up rate by which it calculates the state excise tax from 60% to 80%. …

An illustration depicts a man standing at a fork in the road. One path leads to a pile of medication bottles and pills, while the other path leads to a cannabis plant. The scene symbolizes a choice between traditional pharmaceuticals and medical cannabis, highlighting issues like marijuana legalization. CA Norml

CMA House of Delegates Votes To Oppose Cannabis Pain Patient Discrimination

An illustration depicts a man standing at a fork in the road. One path leads to a pile of medication bottles and pills, while the other path leads to a cannabis plant. The scene symbolizes a choice between traditional pharmaceuticals and medical cannabis, highlighting issues like marijuana legalization. CA Norml

 

 

November 11, 2019 – At their meeting at the end of October in Los Angeles, the House of Delegates of the California Medical Association voted to adopt a recommendation stating, “That CMA oppose policies of health plans, health systems, and hospitals that have pain management programs that automatically eliminate patients who use therapeutic cannabis.”

The CMA’s new policy is consistent with federal CDC and VA policies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in guidelines on prescribing opioid medications for pain issued in 2016, states: “Urine drug testing results can be subject to misinterpretation and might sometimes be associated with practices that might harm patients (e.g.,…

A slide titled "Recommendations to Protect Californians' Employment Rights and Workplace Safety" features diverse people on the left and bulleted recommendations on the right. Recommendations include revising laws and policies related to medical cannabis users and drug testing, discussed in a recent Senate hearing. CA Norml

Cal NORML Calls For Employment Rights for Cannabis Users at Senate Hearing

A slide titled "Recommendations to Protect Californians' Employment Rights and Workplace Safety" features diverse people on the left and bulleted recommendations on the right. Recommendations include revising laws and policies related to medical cannabis users and drug testing, discussed in a recent Senate hearing. CA Norml

November 9, 2019 – California NORML called for state legislation to protect employment rights of cannabis consumers at an informational hearing on cannabis and employment held on Friday, November 8 in the Senate Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement committee. Find audio and video recordings of the hearing

“Even though cannabis is now legal for adult use, and has been legal for medical use since 1996 in California, employees in our state can still be fired or denied employment for testing positive for cannabis, even if they used it days before, or need it to treat a serious illness,” Ellen Komp, Cal NORML deputy director, testified.

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A bronze statue of Lady Justice, holding scales and a sword, stands in front of a green background. A wooden judge's gavel and sound block are placed beside the statue, symbolizing law and justice. The scene commemorates the Legal Seminar held in June 2021 by California NORML. CA Norml

States with Laws Protecting Patients’ Medical Rights

Arizona
For the purposes of medical care, including organ transplants, a registered qualifying patient’s authorized use of marijuana must be considered the equivalent of the use of any other medication under the direction of a physician and does not constitute the use of an illicit substance or otherwise disqualify a registered qualifying patient from medical care. (36-2813(1)(C).

Arkansas
For the purposes of medical care, including without limitation organ transplants, a qualifying patients use of marijuana in accordance with this amendment is considered the equivalent of the authorized use of any medication used at the direction of a physician and does not constitute the use of an illicit substance.…

A governmental meeting room in Sacramento with green chairs and a U-shaped arrangement of desks. Several people are seated while a few stand or sit at a central desk. American and California flags are visible. Text on the screen mentions a joint hearing of various CA Committees about vaping regulations. CA Norml

CA Committees Hold Hearing on Vaping in Sacramento

A joint hearing at the California State Assembly in Sacramento features a panel of officials seated in a U-shaped arrangement behind desks. The topic is "Governmental Organization, Business & Professions and Health Committees." Two presenters sit at a table facing the CA Committees, addressing issues including vaping. CA NormlOctober 17, 2019 – Three California Assembly committees held a joint informational hearing on “Vaping Tobacco and Cannabis Products: Health Effects and Deficiencies in Regulation and Current Law” yesterday in Sacramento.

Committee chairs Evan Low (Business & Professions), Jim Wood (Health), and Adam Gray (Governmental Organization) made opening remarks. Wood said that he was concerned about youth vaping rates (for both nicotine and THC) and the current health crisis, saying he saw them as separate issues. Nonetheless, the issues were somewhat conflated at the hearing, as they have been throughout the crisis. …

The image shows the California State Capitol building in bright daylight. Above the building, a cloud in the shape of a cannabis leaf stands out against the blue sky. The California NORML logo and website URL, www.CaNORML.org, are displayed at the bottom, reminiscent of an activist's bill. CA Norml

Newsom Signs Bills Protecting Cannabis Compassion Programs and Students

The image shows the California State Capitol building in bright daylight. Above the building, a cloud in the shape of a cannabis leaf stands out against the blue sky. The California NORML logo and website URL, www.CaNORML.org, are displayed at the bottom, reminiscent of an activist's bill. CA Norml

UPDATE: THE LAW WILL TAKE EFFECT ON MARCH 1, 2020.

October 14, 2019 – Governor Newsom has signed SB 34 (Wiener), to exempt compassion programs that give away cannabis to needy patients from taxation. He also signed into law SB 223 (Hill) to allow parents to bring cannabis medicines to their children at school (if their school districts approve). Gov. Brown vetoed similar bills last year.

Newsom vetoed SB 305 (Hueso) which would have allowed terminally ill patients to use cannabis in certain health care facilities, citing federal conflicts in his veto message.…

Illustration of a bright yellow sun rising or setting above a green field. Sun rays extend outwards, filling the sky with a gradient of yellow to orange, while green stripes extend from the bottom, creating a sense of depth in the field—a perfect backdrop for the California Cannabis Business Conference hosted by NCIA. CA Norml

NCIA Hosts 3,000+ Top Cannabis Entrepreneurs at 3rd Annual California Cannabis Business Conference

Logo for the NCIA's California Cannabis Business Conference. The design features a bright yellow sun rising over a green field on the left, with "NCIA's" written vertically. The right side displays the text "California Cannabis Business Conference" in orange and black, capturing the spirit of cannabis entrepreneurs. CA Norml

Sign up here and get 20% off registration with the code CANORML20.

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is hosting the third annual California Cannabis Business Conference this October 8-9. The event, which will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center, will gather thousands of cannabis industry leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs to discuss and examine California’s cannabis-specific regulations, market trends, policy, advocacy, and research.

California Cannabis Business Conference is the only industry trade show focusing solely on the California market.…

Two people are sitting on the floor. The person on the left is wearing a white shirt and light-colored pants, while the person on the right, dressed in a patterned top and denim shorts, is handling a large silver object with a transparent bag attached. The room is dimly lit; it's clear this setup isn't safe for cannabis vaping indoors. CA Norml

Cannabis Vaping: What’s Safe and What’s Not

 

Two people are sitting on the floor. The person on the left is wearing a white shirt and light-colored pants, while the person on the right, dressed in a patterned top and denim shorts, is handling a large silver object with a transparent bag attached. The room is dimly lit; it's clear this setup isn't safe for cannabis vaping indoors. CA NormlPHOTO: Jason Schwartzman and Jenny Slate vape in HBO’s “Bored to Death” (2011)

Download CAL NORML’S Health Advisory on Cannabis Vape Oils

UPDATE 11/14 – A fourth death has been reported in California tied to vaping, this one apparently related to e-cigarettes. CDPH continues to urge everyone to refrain from vaping and e-cigarette use, no matter the substance or source, until the cause of vaping-associated lung disease is known.

UPDATE 10/29: CDPH’S weekly report says the VAPI case count in CA has increased to 144 but no new deaths are reported and the rate of hospital admissions has slowed. …

Image of four colorful cart packaging boxes labeled "West Coast Carts" featuring cartoon characters, and a metal cartridge attached to a blue pen-like battery. A small card listing features like "Lab Tested" and "96% THC" is also visible. CA Norml

Cal NORML Health Advisory: Don’t Use Unlicensed Vape Oils

UPDATE 9/7/2019 – The California Dept. of Public Health has put up a website page about Risks of Vaping. 

UPDATE 9/6/2019 – Los Angeles county has reported the first death in California related to the use of e-cigarettes. Officials are holding a press conference this afternoon. 

The Center for Disease Control has announced there have been 450 cases of severe lung disease in the US possibly related to vape oils, including four deaths (in Illinois, Oregon, Indiana and Minnesota). 

“While this investigation is ongoing, consider not using e-cigarette products,” the CDC says.…

A baseball player wearing a red jersey and cap with an "A" logo is pitching. His arm is extended mid-throw, and he holds a baseball in his hand. The background is blurred, focusing on the pitcher, creating a compelling image for Overdose Awareness Day to highlight the importance of addressing opiate use. CA Norml

On Overdose Awareness Day, California Policy Continues to Drive Opiate Use

A baseball player wearing a red jersey and cap with an "A" logo is pitching. His arm is extended mid-throw, and he holds a baseball in his hand. The background is blurred, focusing on the pitcher, creating a compelling image for Overdose Awareness Day to highlight the importance of addressing opiate use. CA NormlToday, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we note with sadness the recent passing of Tyler Skaggs, a 27-year-old pitcher with the LA Angels of Anaheim, who had fentanyl and oxycodone in his system when he died, as well as alcohol.

A new study published in the journal Economic Inquiry found that when state adult-use cannabis laws with legal access to marijuana are in place, the rate of opioid overdoses declines by 20-35%. A second cannabis-related study published in the same journal found that after a medical cannabis dispensary opened in a county, prescription opioid deaths fell locally by approximately 11 percent.…

Poster displaying a cannabis plant silhouette against a vibrant sunset background. The text reads "California NORML" and "Fighting for our rights since 1972, advocating Medical Marijuana." The foreground features detailed cannabis leaves and buds. CA Norml

Cal DOJ Issues Medical Marijuana Guidelines

Poster displaying a cannabis plant silhouette against a vibrant sunset background. The text reads "California NORML" and "Fighting for our rights since 1972, advocating Medical Marijuana." The foreground features detailed cannabis leaves and buds. CA NormlThe California Department of Justice has issued updated Guidelines for the Security and Non-Diversion of Cannabis Grown for Medical Use that are in keeping with the advice Cal NORML has been giving patients and collectives in the state.

The DOJ guidelines give an overview of the state marijuana laws that have passed, starting with Prop. 215 in 1996, which legalized medical cannabis, and covering Prop. 64 in 2016, which legalized recreational adult marijuana. Noting that the federal Cole memorandum was rescinded by AG Jeff Sessions, they state, “medicinal marijuana operators acting in compliance with state laws are protected from federal enforcement under the Joyce/Blumenauer Amendment until its expiration on September 30, 2019.”…

A diverse group of people standing and smiling at the camera, dressed in various business casual and formal attire. One person in the center holds a large leaf, symbolizing the Cal NORML initiative. The plain white background emphasizes each individual in this Employment Rights Campaign photo. CA Norml

Double Your Donation For Cal NORML’s Employment Rights Campaign Through Labor Day

A diverse group of people smile and stand together on a white background. Above them, green text says "Donate to Cal NORML's Employment Rights for Cannabis Consumers Campaign." Below, text says "Double Your Impact: All Donations Will Be Matched Through Labor Day, Sept. 2. CA Norml

August 8, 2019 – Today, California NORML announces a fundraising campaign to support its efforts to protect the employment rights of cannabis consumers in California. All donations made to the campaign through Labor Day (September 2 will be doubled by a matching donor.

Please make a donation today to Cal NORML’s employment rights campaign!

California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, and adult recreational use in 2016, yet Californians can lose job opportunities, or be fired from their jobs, for off-the-clock use of cannabis, even with a recommendation from a doctor.…

An image shows the "Medical Cannabis Access Report Card 2019" for CA, with a B+ grade. Improvements from 2018-2019 are noted, despite challenges like maintaining a well-functioning program and decreased participation. A timeline from 2015 to 2019 displays grades of B or B+. CA Norml

CA Earns Only a B+ on Medical Cannabis Access Report Card

An image shows the "Medical Cannabis Access Report Card 2019" for CA, with a B+ grade. Improvements from 2018-2019 are noted, despite challenges like maintaining a well-functioning program and decreased participation. A timeline from 2015 to 2019 displays grades of B or B+. CA Norml

 

In the yearly Medical Cannabis Access Report Card from Americans for Safe Access, California still has only a B+ Grade.

The report states:

In 2019, medical cannabis cooperatives became illegal under state law, which is a devastating blow to low- or fixed-income patients. The state also released updated guidance on testing and carried out enforcement actions against unlicensed businesses. Twenty-four cities sued California regulators over a rule that allows deliveries in a municipality that banned cannabis businesses; the case is still pending.

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A man speaks at a podium in front of an audience at the CWCB Expo in Los Angeles. The podium, adorned with the CWCB Expo logo and site information, stands before an attentive crowd. An American flag waves in the background as he delves into topics from the Cannabis Legal Workshop hosted by Cal NORML. CA Norml

Cal NORML Cannabis Legal Workshop to Be Held in Los Angeles on September 25

UPDATE August 14 – Just Added! Counsel for the Bureau of Cannabis Control Tamara Colson will join us as our luncheon speaker.

Read more and buy tickets to attend the workshop. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Steve Gross at CWCBE.

A flyer for CWCBExpo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, September 26-28, 2019. It announces a Cannabis Legal Workshop by Cal NORML on "Cannabis Law: Present & Future" on September 25, 2019, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Sponsors include Greenbridge Corporate Counsel and Cannabis Law Digest. CA NormlAugust 5, 2019 – For the first time, California NORML is teaming with Cannabis World Congress & Business Expositions this September to present a cutting-edge CLE Legal Workshop for attorneys and other interested parties in conjunction with the fifth annual CWCBExpo event in Los Angeles.…

Cover of "California NORML Guide to Drug Testing" featuring a statue of Lady Justice, balancing a urine sample jar against a jar with a marijuana leaf. The book title appears in yellow text on a blue background, reflecting the fight for legal MJ consumers amidst the California drug test ban movement. CA Norml

California Bans Drug Test Masking Products; Cal NORML Calls for Protection of Legal MJ Consumers

Cover of "California NORML Guide to Drug Testing" featuring a statue of Lady Justice, balancing a urine sample jar against a jar with a marijuana leaf. The book title appears in yellow text on a blue background, reflecting the fight for legal MJ consumers amidst the California drug test ban movement. CA NormlJuly 8, 2019 – Gov. Newsom has signed a little-noticed bill to ban drug-test masking aids such as additives and synthetic urine.  The bill, AB 851 by Jim Cooper (Sacramento), passed quietly and unanimously through both houses with no debate or input from opponents.

Cal NORML  blasted the bill as a gift to the powerful drug testing industry. “Drug tests have never been FDA proven to be safe or effective for preventing drug abuse or judging employment fitness,” says Cal NORML director Dale Gieringer.  

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Cover image of the report titled "Crime in California." The background features a textured blue-green design. The title "CRIME" is prominently displayed in bold white letters, with "IN CALIFORNIA" beneath it in smaller text. The publication year, CA 2018, appears at the bottom. CA Norml

Marijuana Arrests Decline Again in CA in 2018; Hispanics and Blacks continue to be disproportionately arrested

Cover image of the report titled "Crime in California." The background features a textured blue-green design. The title "CRIME" is prominently displayed in bold white letters, with "IN CALIFORNIA" beneath it in smaller text. The publication year, CA 2018, appears at the bottom. CA NormlJuly 5, 2019 – The number of marijuana arrests in California continued to decline toward new lows in 2018 according to data released by the Criminal Justice Statistics Center. The total number of felony arrests was 1,617, down 22% from 2017 and the lowest since the 1950s. Misdemeanor arrests totaled 3,835, down 4% since 2017. Total arrests numbered 5,452, the lowest since 1962.

Whites accounted for 25% of marijuana arrests, Hispanics 44% and blacks 16%.

DUI arrests rose slightly by 2% to 128,053, interrupting a decade-long decline, but still over 40% lower than their peak in 2007.…

A large group of people are seated in a meeting room, facing a panel of individuals at a long table. The panel appears to be conducting a formal meeting regarding the ban on hemp cultivation in Plumas County. An American flag is visible in the corner of the room, and papers and documents are spread out in front of the participants. CA Norml

Plumas County Declines to Ban Hemp Cultivation

A large group of people are seated in a meeting room, facing a panel of individuals at a long table. The panel appears to be conducting a formal meeting regarding the ban on hemp cultivation in Plumas County. An American flag is visible in the corner of the room, and papers and documents are spread out in front of the participants. CA NormlJune 9, 2019 – A 45-day emergency moratorium on hemp cultivation failed to carry by a narrow vote at a meeting of the in Plumas County Board of Supervisors on June 4. Cal NORML was contacted by members in the county and sent a letter to Supervisors asking them not to pass the moratorium. We also alerted supporters in the area about the meeting.

Plumas County residents voted 52% in favor of Prop. 64 to legalize marijuana in California, but the county has banned all commercial marijuana business in their borders.…