Ellen Komp

Close-up of a small green seedling emerging from dark soil, with tiny water droplets on its leaves. The background is blurred, emphasizing the fresh, vibrant growth of the plant. Start with a plan and watch it grow into something remarkable. CA Norml

Want to Grow Cannabis? Start with a Plan

Close-up of a small green seedling emerging from dark soil, with tiny water droplets on its leaves. The background is blurred, emphasizing the fresh, vibrant growth of the plant. Start with a plan and watch it grow into something remarkable. CA Norml

By Oaksterdam University

Cultivating cannabis is a rewarding hobby, which is why approximately 6% of consumers in the United States grow their own, and that number continues to rise. The overwhelming majority of home growers— 70% percent — say they grow simply because they enjoy it.

In addition to growing for pleasure, there are other reasons people start personal gardens. According to a recent survey by New Frontiers Data, home growers report that it’s more convenient, less expensive, and higher quality than purchasing cannabis at a dispensary.…

A diverse group of 12 adults posing for a photo against a white background. They are wearing various types of clothing, from casual to formal. One person is holding a cannabis leaf, sparking discussions about evolving policy. The group includes a mix of genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. CA Norml

Employment Rights, Pain Patients Rights, and Other Cannabis Bills “Cross Over” into New Chambers in CA Legislature

Cal NORML is tracking these bills, along with state budget bills, and will be alerting our membership to upcoming hearings, and actions they can take on key bills at the proper time.  SIGN UP FOR CAL NORML’S EMAIL ALERTS TO STAY INFORMED.

Please donate to Cal NORML to support our advocacy work, or join as a regular or business member:

Cal NORML regular membership Business Membership with Free Listing
$20.00 – $100.00 / year $50/month – $500/year
Illustration of a white dove in flight against a yellow background. The bird carries a green branch in its beak, symbolizing peace. The wings are spread wide, showing detailed feathering, embodying our mission for harmony and unity. CA Norml A white dove carrying a green olive branch in its beak is depicted against a brown background, symbolizing peace and hope, reminiscent of the support provided in hospice care. Its wings are spread wide, and the detailed illustration highlights the intricate feathers and tranquil expression of the bird. CA Norml

A diverse group of 12 adults stand in a row, facing the camera. They are dressed in a variety of outfits ranging from casual to business attire. One woman is holding a cannabis leaf symbol on her shirt, representing Cal NORML's 2019 accomplishments. The background is plain white. CA Norml

UPDATED 8/4/22

Two Cal NORML-sponsored bills and several other cannabis-related bills are moving through their second chambers in the California legislature.

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A composite image featuring two people. On the left, a woman with long brown hair in a brown blazer stands outside smiling. On the right, a man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a gray suit, sits on blue stairs with a serious expression. The image is tagged "Policy Webinar," hinting at an important event on August 25. CA Norml

Leading Issues in California Cannabis Law and Policy: Online Webinar on Thursday, August 25

A man with short dark hair and a beard is sitting in front of a blue background. He is wearing a blue blazer over a white shirt, and he is smiling gently at the camera, ready to discuss California Cannabis Law in an upcoming online webinar. CA Norml A woman with long, straight brown hair is standing outdoors. She is wearing a brown blazer and a light-colored top, with a pendant necklace. The background features greenery with out-of-focus foliage. She has a neutral expression and looks directly at the camera, as if awaiting her Online Webinar on August 25. CA NormlOn Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 4:00- 5:30 pm, Cal NORML Board Members and California cannabis policy experts Hirsh Jain and Lauren Mendelsohn will host a webinar to discuss the most critical issues facing the California cannabis industry.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED IN  ORDER TO APPLY FOR MCLE CREDITS, WHICH ARE NOW PENDING.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW:

PUBLIC: $25 (SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS AVAILABLE: WRITE HERE).

CAL NORML ATTORNEY MEMBERS: $50 (WITH 1.5 HOURS CLE CREDITS – pending)

NON-MEMBER ATTORNEYS: $75 (WITH 1.5 HOURS CLE CREDITS – pending)

Lauren and Hirsh will be providing updates and their commentary on five key topics:

• Tax reform efforts at the state and local level

• The expansion of retail licensing across the state

• The impact of the provisional license deadline / CEQA compliance

• Growth in California’s illicit market

• The impact of new DCC regulations

Lauren and Hirsh will also field questions on, and lead an interactive discussion about, these five issues and how they might impact the trajectory of the California cannabis industry in the years ahead.…

A graphic illustration depicting a series of voting machines with hands inserting ballots, each featuring an image of a cannabis leaf. The overall color scheme is green and black, emphasizing the significance of Cannabis Candidates in the upcoming June 2022 primary election. CA Norml

Primary Election Guide to Cannabis Candidates: June 2022

 A graphic illustration depicting a series of voting machines with hands inserting ballots, each featuring an image of a cannabis leaf. The overall color scheme is green and black, emphasizing the significance of Cannabis Candidates in the upcoming June 2022 primary election. CA Norml
This page will be updated as we learn more about candidates and races. 

The California Statewide Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 7, and the deadline to register to vote is Monday, May 23. If you miss the May 23 deadline, you can also register and vote in person through Election Day, June 7, using same-day registration.

Here are Cal NORML’s recommendations for pro-cannabis candidates in key or contentious races for the June 7 Primary Election in California. Send any input about these or other races for this guide here.

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Gov. Newsom stands at a podium labeled "GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA," speaking with U.S. and state flags behind him. A nearby screen displays "THE CALIFORNIA BLUEPRINT: CANNABIS," discussing cannabis cultivation tax reductions and government grants, while a sign language interpreter is shown. CA Norml

Gov. Newsom Proposes Ending Cannabis Cultivation Tax in California

Gov. Newsom stands at a podium labeled "GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA," speaking with U.S. and state flags behind him. A nearby screen displays "THE CALIFORNIA BLUEPRINT: CANNABIS," discussing cannabis cultivation tax reductions and government grants, while a sign language interpreter is shown. CA NormlAt Gov. Newsom’s press conference this morning announcing his May budget revision, he was asked about his proposal to end the cannabis cultivation tax while keeping the state excise tax at 15%, while granting authority to raise the tax to as much as 19% if tax revenues fall below $670 million as soon as January 2024.

Newsom announced a $150 million “backfill” from the General Fund to cover any temporary tax income reductions that may affect youth, environmental, or law enforcement programs that are currently funded with Prop.…

A woman stands and speaks at a public hearing titled "GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE: 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2022." A nameplate below reads "Pamela Lopez, California NORML," highlighting the issue of cannabis tax relief. Another woman sits beside her in the audience area. CA Norml

California Cannabis Consumers Call for Tax Relief

A woman stands and speaks at a public hearing titled "GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE: 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2022." A nameplate below reads "Pamela Lopez, California NORML," highlighting the issue of cannabis tax relief. Another woman sits beside her in the audience area. CA NormlWith California’s legal cannabis industry in dire straits due to high taxes and regulatory costs,  California NORML called on legislators to pass a tax relief bill by Sen. Bradford (SB 1281) at a hearings before the State Senate Governance and Finance Committee on May 4. The Bradford bill would eliminate the state cultivation tax, which was designed to increase retail prices and reduce consumer demand. SB 1281 would also reduce the state’s excise taxes to make legal retailers more competitive with California’s underground market.…

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Cal NORML/ASA Lobby Day: May 10, 2022 in Sacramento

Thank You, Lobby Day Sponsors!

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Join Cal NORML and ASA (Americans for Safe Access) at Lobby Day 2022 as a citizen lobbyist for your rights as a cannabis consumer in California!

Sponsor Lobby Day!

This year’s Lobby Day will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. We will meet in the morning at the Capitol Events Center, where you will learn about pending bills and get lobbying tips. In the afternoon, you will meet with lawmakers or their staffs at appointments we will set for you once you sign up to attend.

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A meeting of the Standing Committee on Labor & Employment in the California State Assembly is in session. Several people are seated around a table, engaged in discussing employment rights. A display screen and various office equipment are visible in the room. The date is 4/20/22. CA Norml

Bills to Protect Cannabis Users’ Employment and Medical Rights Pass First Committees

It was a good 4/20 week for cannabis reform in California!

On 4/19, AB 1954 (Quirk), to prevent discrimination of pain patients and others by their doctors for using medical cannabis, passed the Assembly Business & Professions Committee by a bipartisan vote of 18-0. That bill now moves to the Appropriations committee. Watch the hearing (starts at: 1:45).
SEND A LETTER TO YOUR LAWMAKER: Allow Doctors to Treat Patients Who Use Medical Marijuana

And on 4/20, AB 2188 (Quirk), to grant employment rights to cannabis users in California, cleared the Assembly Labor & Employment committee with a vote of 5-2.…

A doctor in a white coat with a stethoscope around his neck shows something on a tablet to an elderly woman with gray hair, who is attentively looking at the screen. They are discussing Cannabis Legislation in California for 2022, standing in a bright room with large windows in the background. CA Norml

LEGISLATIVE NEWS: Employment Rights, Medical Marijuana Patients’ Rights and More

TAKE ACTION: 

Support Employment Rights for Cannabis Consumers in California

Allow Doctors to Treat Patients Who Use Medical Marijuana

Support Terminally Ill Patients’ Right to Use Cannabis

Support Local Access for Medical Marijuana Patients

 

UPCOMING HEARINGS

Monday, 4/18 – 10 AM Senate Business and Professions Committee
SB 1326 (Caballero) – interstate agreements

Monday, 4/18 – 10 AM Senate Appropriations Committee
SB 1097 (Pan) – Labeling – Oppose; amendments offered
SB 988 (Hueso) – Ryan’s law cleanup – Support
TAKE ACTION: Support Terminally Ill Patients’ Right to Use Cannabis

Tuesday, 4/19 – 9:00 AM Asm.…

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2022 Cannabis Packaging Requirements in California

Pictures of marijuana product packaging

With the new year ramping up and cannabis laws sometimes changing so fluidly, it’s crucial to ensure that your business is compliant with California cannabis law. Whether it’s distributing flowers, concentrates, or edibles, each item has its own set of requirements that marijuana businesses must adhere to; to avoid significant penalties.

To help keep you compliant with the weed laws in California, we’ve come up with a survival guide below to help navigate through all the state’s requirements so your business can continue to thrive.…