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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Cal NORML Sponsors Bill to Block Cannabis Tax Increase

UPDATE 7/10/2025 – Please send a letter to your state Senator asking them to pass AB 564 to roll back cannabis taxes. California raised its excise tax on cannabis from 15% to 19% on July 1, 2025, as part of a budget compromise made when the cannabis cultivation tax was removed via AB 195 (2022), …

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A construction worker wearing a yellow hard hat and vest sits on the ground holding his injured knee. Another worker in a yellow vest kneels beside him, offering assistance. Injured workers like him may be eligible for workers' compensation. A hard hat is placed on the ground nearby. CA Norml

CA DIVISION OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CONSIDERS BANNING MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR INJURED WORKERS  –  HEARINGS AND TESTIMONY DUE MARCH 14th

UPDATE: The agency adopted the objectionable guidelines in May 2025. No panelists asked questions or had any discussion at a hearing in March on the topic at which Cal NORML testified.  Read Cal NORML Director Dale Gieringer’s testimony to the DWC, and an appendix of studies on cannabis and pain. See Deputy Director Ellen Komp’s …

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A man in a suit speaks at a podium outdoors, flanked by two men and two women, highlighting 2024 accomplishments. The podium displays a seal that reads "State Assembly," as lush greenery forms the backdrop, hinting at future plans for 2025 with Cal NORML's commitment to progress. CA Norml

Cal NORML 2024 Accomplishments and Plans for 2025

Please donate to Cal NORML to support our advocacy work, as a regular or business member. PLEASE SUPPORT CAL NORML IN 2025 Cal NORML expects to be working harder than ever in 2025 to help fight off an automatic increase in state cannabis excise taxes from 15% to as much as 19%, triggered by a 2022 …

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A variety of vape pens, reminiscent of a study in contrasts, are displayed in a row on a table. They differ in size, shape, and color—some featuring buttons and digital displays. A blurred background with a plant is visible. CA Norml

Applications Sought for Cannabis Vape Pen Study

Interested vape companies are invited to sponsor their devices for a study of cannabis vape pen emissions by California NORML. The study will test a variety of vape devices and cartridges to determine how much cannabinoids and harmful smoke toxins they deliver. The study is intended to help provide better consumer information on the safety …

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A historic building with Greek revival architecture stands under a clear blue sky. The text "Sacramento City Council Approves Cannabis Consumption Lounge Pilot Program" is prominently displayed in green. CA Norml

Sacramento City Council Approves Pilot Cannabis Consumption Lounge Program

November 19, 2024 – Following a two-year process during which the Sacramento Office of Cannabis Management met with public officials and lounge owners across the state, surveyed interested parties, and took scientific testimony to develop a pilot ordinance allowing for cannabis consumption lounges in the city, the Sacramento city council today voted 5-4 to allow …

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Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA

Oakland City Council Exempts Cannabis from Residential Smoking Ban

In a victory for cannabis consumers, the Oakland City Council on Tuesday, November 12 voted to exempt cannabis from a proposed total ban on residential smoking and vaping in multi-unit dwellings, including condos. The vote was 6-0 with 2 abstentions. The cannabis exemption was strongly opposed by the state’s powerful anti-smoking lobby, richly funded by …

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