50 Years of Progress in Cannabis Reform, Brought to You by Cal NORML
A 50 year timeline of successful California NORML campaigns, showing our progress expanding and protecting the rights of California cannabis consumers since 1972.
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California Bills Addressing Cannabis Taxes, Hemp, Research Signed into Law; Direct-Access Bill for Patients Vetoed
UPDATED 10/13/2025 Six cannabis-related bills made it through the legislature this year and four were signed into law, while ten failed to advance. A bill from Asm. Haney to rollback cannabis taxes that Cal NORML sponsored became law, as did bills to regulate hemp from Asm. Aguiar-Curry and Sen. Wiener, and a bill from Asm. …
WE DID IT! Gov. Newsom Signs AB 564 to Lower CA’s Cannabis Excise Tax Back to 15% on October 1
Governor Newsom has signed the Cal NORML-sponsored bill, AB 564 (Haney), to roll back the cannabis excise tax increase that happened on July 1 from 19% back to 15% on October 1, 2025. Thanks to all Cal NORML’s supporters who helped lobby for the bill (including at our Lobby Day in March), and all who …
Cal NORML-Sponsored Cannabis Café Bill Becomes Law
There’s been much enthusiasm about the new law, which will take effect on January 1, 2025. It’s a good time for supporters to join Cal NORML and get involved with local NORML chapters to ensure that local governments will allow cannabis lounges. Cal NORML has been tracking cannabis lounges and hopes to see more open. …
Payment Processing that Benefits You and Cal NORML
Learn how you can help sustain Cal NORML’s essential advocacy and lobbying efforts in the coming years, while providing a helpful needed service to your customers that will boost your sales. California NORML is excited to announce a new partnership with Banking and Merchant Specialist, Ian Rassman of Rassman Payments. This new collaboration will benefit …
Employers May Not Discriminate Against Californians Due to Off-the-Job or Past Cannabis Use Starting on January 1
Starting on January 1, 2024, most Californians are now protected by a Cal NORML-sponsored bill which states that employers may not refuse to hire, fire, or penalize an employee based on the results of hair or urine tests for marijuana. A second law disallows asking about past marijuana use by prospective employees. Download a Fact …
Cal NORML 2023 Accomplishments and Plans for 2024
PLEASE SUPPORT CAL NORML IN 2024 Now is the time to build on the progress we made in 2023! Please support Cal NORML with a membership donation. Click Here to Donate or see our Cal NORML store and purchase merchandise. Giving Tuesday / End of Year Special: Get a Free Gift with Your Cal NORML membership through 12/31/23. LEGISLATIVE GAINS …
Blowing Smoke About Cannabis Lounges: Onsite Consumption No Danger to Public Health
DOWNLOAD A FLYER ABOUT CANNABIS CONSUMPTION LOUNGES IN CALIFORNIA. See a List of Cannabis Consumption Lounges in California. Also see: Cannabis Consumption Lounges: Mitigating Risks Information about opening and operating a consumption lounge from Cal NORML board member and attorney Lauren Mendelsohn. CANNABIS CONSUMPTION SPACES ARE NEEDED IN CALIFORNIA While it’s legal for adults and medical …
Clearing of Past Marijuana Crimes Moves Forward Across California
UPDATES 2/11/2024: We would like to hear from people who have benefited—e.g. gotten a job or qualified for education or housing—because their marijuana criminal records have been expunged. A journalist has contacted us who is trying to measure the impact expungement has had. Anonymity guaranteed if requested. Reply here. 10/4/2023: A new report from the …
Cannabis Consumers’ Employment Rights Won in California
View and Download this information as a Fact Sheet Download a Fact Sheet for Employers Starting on January 1, 2024, most Californians are protected by a Cal NORML-sponsored bill (AB 2188 – GC 12954) which states that employers may not refuse to hire, fire, or penalize an employee based on the results of hair or urine …