Legislation

A diverse group gathers in front of the U.S. Capitol building for Lobby Day, holding signs supporting cannabis legalization and Latino representation, during an outdoor press event organized by the Cannabis Unity Coalition on a sunny day. Ca NORML

Cal NORML Joins Cannabis Unity Coalition Lobby Day in DC

The Cannabis Unity Coalition press conference at the US Capitol on May 14, 2026

Cal NORML participated in Cannabis Unity Coalition lobby day last week in Washington, DC to lobby for full cannabis decriminalization, release of federal marijuana prisoners, and the clearing of records for past marijuana convictions.

Watch the coalition press conference held at the US Capitol at which Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Dina Titus (D-NV) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke, along with Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN). Read more.

Also speaking were representatives from Latino and Indigenous groups, prisoner advocates, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, NORML, MPP, DPA, and others.…

A grand, white, neoclassical government building stands under a clear blue sky with some clouds. Unusually, a large cloud shaped like a cannabis leaf floats prominently in the sky above the California Legislature. Trees and greenery surround the building. CA Norml

2026 California Cannabis Legislation: What Bills Cal NORML is Tracking and Acting On

A grand, white, neoclassical government building stands under a clear blue sky with some clouds. Unusually, a large cloud shaped like a cannabis leaf floats prominently in the sky above the California Legislature. Trees and greenery surround the building. CA Norml

LAST UPDATED 9/1/2026

SIGNED INTO LAW

AB-2249 (Irwin) Cannabis: labels, packaging and manufacturing. Signed by the Governor after extensive amendments in the Senate.

 

BILLS PASSED BY LEGISLATURE; MUST BE SIGNED (OR VETOED) BY THE GOVERNOR BY 9/30:

AB 1965 (Sharp-Collins) Cannabis: testing: quality assurance. On Governor’s desk. Cal NORML has sent a letter in support of this bill.

AB-2532 (Irwin) Cannabis: labels, packaging and manufacturing (beverages). Passed Assembly concurrence by 74-0, with Asms. Bauer-Kahan, Gipson, Haney, Lee, and McKinnor not voting.…

Asm. Berman holds up a cannabis package he called, "straight out of Alice in Wonderland"

CA Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Cannabis Packaging

Asm. Berman holds up a cannabis package he called, "straight out of Alice in Wonderland"A “joint” hearing of the CA Joint Legislative Audit and Asm. Business and Professions Committee was held in Sacramento on February 17 addressing cannabis packaging and its attractiveness to children.

Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit committee John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) opened the hearing and turned it over to Asm. Jacqui Irwin (D-Ventura) who requested an audit of cannabis packaging last year. The audit determined that laws and guidance are not always clear on what constitutes a package that is attractive to children, and that the DCC’s enforcement against companies with repeated violations was lacking.…

A person stands at a fork in the road, facing a choice between a path lined with prescription pill bottles and another lined with cannabis leaves, highlighting the impact of cannabis policy debates under a blue sky with clouds. Ca NORML

Have You Been Discriminated Against by A Kaiser Doctor for Using Cannabis? Join Cal NORML’s Action Demanding Kaiser Change Its Policy.

 

A person stands at a fork in the road, facing a choice between a path lined with prescription pill bottles and another lined with cannabis leaves, highlighting the impact of cannabis policy debates under a blue sky with clouds. Ca NORML

UPDATE 6/25/2026 – KPFA radio in Berkeley ran a story on June 24 (at 33:20 in the broadcast) about Cal NORML’s action against Kaiser Healthcare over their discriminatory practices against medical marijuana patients. A Kaiser spokesperson claimed their doctors are making case-by-case decisions on providing healthcare. However, Cal NORML deputy director Ellen Komp was quoted saying patients are reporting that Kaiser doctors tell them their hands are tied by company policy when it comes to treating them. Kaiser patient Victor Pinho, who has been denied ADD medication at Kaiser, was also quoted, confirmed that his doctors have told him that Kaiser policy interferes with their prescribing options.…

A person in California packs a UPS box with cannabis products—CBD gummies, a THC vape, CBD oil, and a bag of medical marijuana buds—on a wooden table. Shipping materials and a label are visible nearby. CA Norml

Medical Marijuana Shipping Bill Scrapped

A person in California packs a UPS box with cannabis products—CBD gummies, a THC vape, CBD oil, and a bag of medical marijuana buds—on a wooden table. Shipping materials and a label are visible nearby. CA Norml

UPDATE 2/26/26 – The cannabis language in the bill has been erased, following opposition from some in the cannabis industry, concerned that it would open the door to broader shipping. 

UPDATE 2/20/26 – During a chat with Capitol Weekly, new DCC chief Clint Kellum said (@ 19:46 in), that direct-mail options for cannabis could be “quite beneficial” to consumers, noting that most people are getting goods via Amazon, etc. Kellum said that the cannabis consumer has “quite a confusing market to deal with, in that there’s not widespread access across the state, you have intoxicating hemp cannabinoids that aren’t allowed in the state but are allowed at the federal level that make their way in through direct-to-consumer efforts, so there’s quite a bit of confusion, and having more traditional lines like direct-to-consumer would be nice.”…

A large cannabis plant stands in the foreground with the U.S. Capitol and Jefferson Memorial in the background, symbolizing D.C.'s ongoing cannabis reform under a cloudy sky above the historic swamp. CA Norml

CANNABIS REFORM BOGS DOWN IN D.C. SWAMP

A large cannabis plant stands in the foreground with the U.S. Capitol and Jefferson Memorial in the background, symbolizing D.C.'s ongoing cannabis reform under a cloudy sky above the historic swamp. CA NormlEfforts to reform federal cannabis laws remain stuck on hold in Washington, D.C. 

There is no indication as to whether the administration plans to move marijuana from Schedule I to III, as proposed by the Biden administration in April 2024. The DEA’s leadership has expressed skepticism about the proposal and has been sitting on it ever since. President Trump is reported to have privately indicated his interest in rescheduling to cannabusiness interests. However, his advisors are thought to have mixed views.…

Sacramento Capitol with leaf cloud

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. Ahrens to reduce the regulatory burden on cannabis research. The Governor vetoed a bill to expand local enforcement against cannabis, and a bill from Asm. Ahrens that Cal NORML support to allow microbusiness to ship certain cannabis products directly to patients.

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A group poses on government building steps, holding banners celebrating AB 564 and the California cannabis excise tax as Gov. Newsom signs the bill into law. A large green badge proclaims, "WE DID IT! AB 564 IS LAW. CA Norml

WE DID IT! Gov. Newsom Signs AB 564 to Lower CA’s Cannabis Excise Tax Back to 15% on October 1

A group of Cal NORML supporters attend a press conference with Assembly Member Haney during Citizen Lobby Day on the steps of a California state Capitol, holding signs supporting AB 564. Text explains the cannabis excise tax law's passage, credits Cal NORML, and thanks supporters for their action.

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 wrote letters via Cal NORML’s Action Network.

Support Cal NORML’s efforts to stop a tax increase in California by making a membership donation today! Business Memberships starting at $50 monthly include a directory listing and other perks.

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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

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

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 the old tax had me wanting to go back to the black market but with the new tax it’s even more likely that I will start looking to get my cannabis from some place cheaper,” wrote one consumer.…

An older man in a beige suit speaks into a microphone while holding a paper that reads "1,420 Californians Say: STOP HIGHER TAXES!" at a California legislative session discussing the cannabis industry and tax increase repeal (AB 564). CA Norml

AB 564 to Stop a Cannabis Tax Increase Heads to Senate Appropriations Committee

UPDATE September 10, 2025 – AB 564 has passed both houses of the California legislature and is heading to the Governor’s desk.

UPDATE July 9, 2025 – On the 50th anniversary of cannabis decriminalization in California, AB 564 passed through the Senate Revenue and Tax committee, its first stop in the Senate after passing in the Assembly by a vote of 74-0. An amendment would roll the tax back from 19% (enacted on July 1) back to 15% on October 1.

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A government meeting in a large, modern chamber with people seated in a semicircle. Two American flags and one California flag are displayed. A screen reads “AB 564 Haney Bill on Cannabis Tax Increase Repeal,” backed by Cal NORML. CA Norml

Cal NORML-Sponsored Bill to Halt A Cannabis Tax Increase Passes First Committee

A government meeting in a large, modern chamber with people seated in a semicircle. Two American flags and one California flag are displayed. A screen reads “AB 564 Haney Bill on Cannabis Tax Increase Repeal,” backed by Cal NORML. CA Norml

WRITE TO YOUR LEGISLATORS AND GOV. NEWSOM AND ASK THEM NOT TO RAISE CANNABIS TAXES IN 2025

Update 5/8/2025 – AB 564, to halt a cannabis tax increase this year, passed through its second committee with another unanimous vote. It now goes to Assembly Appropriations. Meanwhile, the Governor and both legislative houses are finalizing their budgets for the year.

Please take action on our new alert targeted at the full legislature and the Governor, asking them not to increase cannabis taxes in 2025.…

Cal NORML Sponsors Bill to Block Cannabis Tax Increase

Infographic compares excise taxes: wine ($0.05), beer ($0.12), liquor ($0.15), tobacco ($0.47), and cannabis pre-rolls (up to $1.57). Support the cannabis bill AB 564 to reduce California's excessive cannabis tax—Cal NORML calls for change!. CA Norml

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), in order to assure adequate funding for programs funded by cannabis taxes.

A bill sponsored by Cal NORML, AB 564 (Haney) would roll back this tax increase, as soon as October 1. …

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

Sponsor Lobby Day 2025

Read more about Lobby Day 2025

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY! See Links below or email us.

California NORML and ASA (Americans for Safe Access) are pleased to announce Citizen Lobby Day, taking place March 24, 2025 in Sacramento, CA. Our members and coalition partners will host a lobby day and training in support of state legislation to better regulate cannabis and protect consumers in California.

The California Citizen Lobby Day offers an exciting and unique opportunity to reach out to the medical and adult-use cannabis community.…

A lively café with lush greenery hanging from the ceiling and walls. People are engaged in conversation, while others are seated at tables with food and drinks. The atmosphere is cozy and vibrant, mixing rustic décor and comfortable seating—a true haven reminiscent of a cannabis café bill envisioning community spaces. CA Norml

Cal NORML-Sponsored Cannabis Café Bill Becomes Law

A lively café with lush greenery hanging from the ceiling and walls. People are engaged in conversation, while others are seated at tables with food and drinks. The atmosphere is cozy and vibrant, mixing rustic décor and comfortable seating—a true haven reminiscent of a cannabis café bill envisioning community spaces. CA Norml

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. Also see our Local Activist Toolkit. 

9/30/24 – In a strong showing of support for the California cannabis industry and legal consumers, Governor Newsom has signed into law the Cal NORML-sponsored cannabis café bill AB 1775 (Haney), to allow licensed cannabis lounges to sell non-alcoholic food and drinks, as well as tickets to onsite concerts, with local government approval. 

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A bar chart comparing California state excise taxes on various products: 5 oz wine (1¢), 12 oz beer (2¢), 1.5 oz liquor (4-8¢), a single tobacco cigarette (14¢), and a 0.5 gram cannabis joint ($1.10). The cannabis joint, affected by what some deem "unfair taxation," has the highest CA Norml

Support SB 512, To Help End Unfair Taxation of Cannabis

A bar chart comparing California state excise taxes on various products: 5 oz wine (1¢), 12 oz beer (2¢), 1.5 oz liquor (4-8¢), a single tobacco cigarette (14¢), and a 0.5 gram cannabis joint ($1.10). The cannabis joint, affected by what some deem "unfair taxation," has the highest CA Norml

DOWNLOAD A FLYER ABOUT CANNABIS TAX FAIRNESS IN CALIFORNIA

UPDATE 7/10/2023 – SB 512 (Bradford), to end double taxation on cannabis by including state and local excise taxes when calculating other taxes, was held in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation committee and will likely not advance this year in its present form.

Committee chair Jacqui Irwin, who authored a bill to make cannabis billboards illegal in 2012 and whose current bill AB 1207 to restrict cannabis packaging and flavorings was opposed by cannabis industry groups, commented at the hearing that it’s too soon to evaluate the results of AB 195 (2022), which eliminated the cannabis cultivation tax and shifted the responsibility for paying state excise tax from the distributor to the retailer, while making the changes SB 512 sought to correct.…

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.…

Flowchart illustrating cannabis tax collection for a manufactured product. Progression: Cultivator, First Distributor, Manufacturer, Last Distributor, and Retailer—all linked by arrows and dollar bills. NORML logo at the bottom shows taxes from cultivators and retailers feeding into CDFA. CA Norml

Cal NORML Opposes Cannabis Cultivation Tax Hike

November 22, 2021 – The California Dept. of Taxation and Fee Administration has ruled that the cultivation tax on legal cannabis be raised from $9.65 to $10.08 per dry-weight ounce of flower, from $2.87 to $3 for leaf, and from $1.35 to $1.41 for fresh material starting on January 1, 2022.

California Should Be Reducing, Not Increasing Cannabis Taxes

Cal NORML denounced the tax hike as wrong-headed and untimely. “The legal industry is already so burdened by excessive taxes and regulation that it cannot compete with unlicensed marketers,” says California NORML Director Dale Gieringer.…