Bulletin

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

Cannabis Consumers’ Employment Rights Won in California

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

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 tests for marijuana. Employees may not be impaired by cannabis on the job, and may be subject to an oral swab or blood test.…

A dropper with yellow liquid is held over an open bottle labeled "THC-O Acetate" with a chemical structure in the background. The image, featuring a green leafy backdrop, suggests a natural or plant-based product. CA Norml

Cal NORML Safety Warning: THC-O Acetate and Psychoactive Hemp Products 

A dropper with yellow liquid is held over an open bottle labeled "THC-O Acetate" with a chemical structure in the background. The image, featuring a green leafy backdrop, suggests a natural or plant-based product. CA Norml

UPDATE 2/15/23:

DEA Classifies Novel Cannabinoids Delta-8 And -9 THCO As Controlled Substances, Even When Synthesized From Legal Hemp

 NORML has always warned that delta-9-THCO is illegal under the Synthetic Analogues Act.  This DEA decision also applies to delta-8-THCO, which shouldn’t be confused with the more popular delta-8 THC.

A new study by Benowitz et al. [1] raises safety concerns about THC-O acetate, a potent psychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp that is being marketed on the internet and unlicensed stores. The authors warn that THC-O acetate could potentially cause EVALI lung disease when vaped or smoked.…

A bus stop advertisement shows large text reading, "ALL SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HARMFUL," with "HARMFUL" in red. Below, smaller text lists "Vape Hazards, Marijuana, Cigarillos, Hookah, Cigarettes." The background features smoke, and the website "SecondhandDangers.org" appears at the bottom. CA Norml

CA DPH Misrepresents Cannabis Smoke & Vape Hazards Using Anti-Tobacco Funds

UPDATE 5/23 – States That Legalize Marijuana See Reduced Tobacco Use, Study Finds

A bus stop advertisement shows large text reading, "ALL SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HARMFUL," with "HARMFUL" in red. Below, smaller text lists "Vape Hazards, Marijuana, Cigarillos, Hookah, Cigarettes." The background features smoke, and the website "SecondhandDangers.org" appears at the bottom. CA Norml

The California Department of Public Health has undertaken a busboard campaign claiming that marijuana and vapes produce similar second-hand smoking dangers as tobacco. The ads reference a TobaccoFreeCA webpage  (now taken down) warning that secondhand marijuana smoke is cancer-causing and harmful to the brain, lungs, and heart. A subpage titled, “Exposure to Secondhand Smoke from Marijuana is Dangerous,” is dated June 19, 2020 (also now taken down; links are archived).

…
Two individuals stand behind a booth with a table covered by a cloth displaying "Cal NORML." The table is adorned with pamphlets, brochures, and other literature about marijuana legalization, including 2022 accomplishments and plans for 2023. The background features lattice panels with hanging T-shirts and banners. CA Norml

Cal NORML’s 2022 Accomplishments and Plans for 2023

PLEASE SUPPORT CAL NORML IN 2023

Now is the time to build on the progress we made in 2022! Please support Cal NORML with a membership donation. Click Here to Donate or see our Cal NORML store and purchase merchandise.

A group of around 40 people pose together in a conference room. They are gathered in front of a screen displaying "California Citizen Lobby Day," with a subtitle about equality and fairness. Most are smiling, some wear name tags, and the mood appears positive and collaborative as they discuss 2022 accomplishments and plans for 2023 with Cal NORML. CA Norml

It was a banner year for cannabis reform measures in 2022, in no small part due to the efforts of California NORML and our supporters.

LEGISLATIVE GAINS

Cal NORML lead a successful legislative effort to protect the employment rights of California’s cannabis consumers, along with a second bill to protect medical marijuana patients against discrimination by their doctors.…

A diverse group of people attends an indoor conference on Cal NORML's 2021/2022 activities. They are seated facing a panel of speakers. A large screen displays a presentation. Some individuals are wearing masks. The room is well-lit with natural light streaming through large windows. CA Norml

CAL NORML 2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS FOR 2022

Read about Cal NORML’s 2021/2022 activities. We are working for your rights! 

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

 

Cal NORML PRIORITIES FOR 2022

  • Pass employment rights legislation to forbid pre-employment drug testing for marijuana using urine and hair tests.
  • Pass legislation to end discrimination against pain patients who are denied medication for using cannabis.
…
A straight road stretches into a bright light, with "2021" and a forward-pointing arrow painted on it. On the right, a yellow road sign with the word "ADVOCACY" stands near dense green foliage under a partly cloudy California sky. CA Norml

Cal NORML 2020 Accomplishments and Plans for 2021

A pin celebrating California NORML's 2020 accomplishments, featuring the text "Cal NORML," with the "O" stylized as a cannabis leaf. The text is in green on a gold background. The pin has a shiny, metallic appearance. CA NormlPlease support Cal NORML with a 2021 membership!
As a special offer, some 2021 members will receive a vintage gold “California NORML” lapel magnet (pictured) to celebrate NORML’s 50th anniversary.

When 2020 began, dozens of bills addressing cannabis were introduced in Sacramento, including a Cal NORML–sponsored bill to protect employment rights of medical marijuana users, and another bill we endorsed to lower taxes on cannabis, plus a bill to help with the persistent roadblock of local licensing.

A group of people are seated in a meeting room, facing a panel of officials discussing cannabis licensing. Multiple screens display maps, and a rainbow flag is hung on the wall. One attendee holds a yellow sign saying "LET BERKELEY BE BERKELEY. CA NormlAt the end of January, we testified before Berkeley City Council at a pair of contentious meetings that pitted activists in favor of opening a vape lounge in Berkeley against anti-tobacco forces that tried to argue second-hand marijuana smoke is harmful.…

A person with long hair wearing a black t-shirt with the text "VOTE FOR MARIJUANA" printed on it holds open their plaid shirt to display the message. Against a backdrop of green foliage and sunlight, they emphasize support for CA Special Elections on May 12. CA Norml

How to Vote for Marijuana in CA’s May 12 Special Elections

A person with long hair wearing a black t-shirt with the text "VOTE FOR MARIJUANA" printed on it holds open their plaid shirt to display the message. Against a backdrop of green foliage and sunlight, they emphasize support for CA Special Elections on May 12. CA Norml

Two special elections are being held on Tuesday, May 12, in Congressional District 25 (parts of LA and Ventura counties) and in State Senate District 28 (in Riverside county).

Vying for the open Congressional seat left vacant by Rep. Katie Hill are Democrat Christy Smith and Republican Mike Garcia.

Smith, a California Assemblywoman, has a good voting record on cannabis reform measures. Last year, she voted in favor of laws to enable tax-free donations for compassion programs, to  allow medicinal cannabis to be administered at school sites and healthcare facilities.…

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.…

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.…

CANORML Lobby Day

Cal NORML’s 2018 Accomplishments and Plans for 2019

PLEASE JOIN CAL NORML OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
TO HELP US CONTINUE OUR WORK IN 2019.

As California enters new territory with the opening of adult-use sales this year, Cal NORML continues its fight to secure consumers’ rights to use cannabis freely, legally, and affordably. We are glad to have made some progress with the state’s lawmakers and regulators this year, but much work remains to be done.

While the year got off to a bang with the first legal sales on January 1, 2018, progress has been rocky, fraught with glitches and bottlenecks, costly new taxes and regulations, and a persistent shortage of legal outlets in many parts of the state.…