Cal NORML

Stories pertaining to California Norml and its accomplishments

A woman triumphantly waves a "California Republic" flag and carries an armful of freshly-harvested marijuana plants. She is depicted against a yellow sky with billowing clouds at sunrise. Text in the scroll at the bottom reads, "Sow the seeds of Victory!" Cal NORML.

Cal NORML Election Guide 2026


A woman waving a "California Republic" flag carries an armful of marijuana plants. She is depicted against a yellow sunlit background. Text at the bottom reads, "Sow the seeds of Victory!" Cal NORML.

Cal NORML Voter Guide to Cannabis Candidates

November 2026 Election

Artwork: Ruth Anne

UPDATED: 9/8/26. We will continue to update as we gather more information about candidates. 

Registered to Vote? Visit https://registertovote.ca.gov/.
The last day to register to vote online for November 3 General Election is October 19.

County elections officials will begin mailing ballots by October 5.

Quick Links: EXECUTIVE / CONGRESS / STATE SENATE / STATE ASSEMBLY / LOCAL Measures and LA Mayor

Pro-reform candidates’ names are in green; Anti-reform in red; Neutral in black.…

Banner with red and green text reads: "Join Us July 18th at the California State Fair! 215 Tribute ACTIVIST TRIBUTE." It features a green medical cross with a cannabis leaf and the California Cannabis Awards seal. Ca NORML

215 Tribute at California State Fair July 18th

The California Cannabis Awards Celebrates Prop 215

Seal for the California Cannabis Awards at the California State Fair, featuring a brown bear, a cannabis leaf, and text—a Cal 215 Tribute design. Ca NORML
Poster for the Cal 215 Tribute at the CA State Fair in Sacramento on July 18, 2026, featuring cannabis-themed logos. Join us as we celebrate the Compassionate Use Act’s 30th anniversary and honor Prop 215 activists!. Ca NORML

Join us on July 18, 2026 in Sacramento for a Special California Cannabis Awards an exciting event during the California Cannabis Experience exhibit at the California State Fair.

For five years, the California Cannabis Awards has honored the growers, makers, innovators, and visionaries shaping the Golden State’s cannabis culture. 

This year brings a new category of “Home Grow – Personal Use” where hobby growers from across the State will win recognition, medals, and, for one, the coveted Golden Bear trophy for “Best in California.”

…
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 woman triumphantly waves a "California Republic" flag and carries an armful of freshly-harvested marijuana plants. She is depicted against a yellow sky with billowing clouds at sunrise. Text in the scroll at the bottom reads, "Sow the seeds of Victory!" Cal NORML.

Cal NORML Election Guide and Results – Primary Election 2026


A woman waving a "California Republic" flag carries an armful of marijuana plants. She is depicted against a yellow sunlit background. Text at the bottom reads, "Sow the seeds of Victory!" Cal NORML.

Cal NORML Voter Guide to Cannabis Candidates

June 2026 Primary Election

Got input on candidates or races? Write here.

Artwork: Ruth Anne

UPDATED 6/29/26

Quick Links: EXECUTIVE / CONGRESS / STATE SENATE / STATE ASSEMBLY / LOCAL

Governor

RESULTS: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are heading to the November run-off. Hilton recently said he thinks California’s cannabis taxes are too high.   

Xavier Becerra – In 2016, as California’s Attorney General, Becerra told Politico he would be defending California’s new law legalizing marijuana against possible federal interference, and admitted he tried weed “at a younger time.”…

A statue of Lady Justice and a gavel are set against a green background, framed with cannabis leaves at the top and bottom, hinting at a California NORML Legal Seminar from June 2021. The scales of justice are held high in the statue’s left hand. CA Norml

Sponsor Cal NORML’s 2024 Legal Seminar

 

Image promoting the Cal NORML Legal Seminar 2024 on January 20. The design features a statue of Lady Justice and a gavel against a green background, framed by cannabis leaves. Event details and the website www.CaNORML.org are provided at the bottom. CA Norml

Read more about the Legal Seminar

Sponsoring the sixth annual Cal NORML Legal Seminar on January 20, 2024 is a great way to raise visibility for your company among the top cannabis attorneys, businesspeople, and consumers in California.

Sponsorship will position and brand your business as one that is helping to move cannabis issues forward. We expect 50-100 attendees at the event.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

• $5,000 Platinum

• $2,500 Gold

• $1000 Silver

• $500 Bronze

 

WHAT YOU GET 

$500 Bronze

• One free ticket to the Seminar

• Banner ad on the Legal Seminar Website Page

$1000 Silver

• All of the above, plus:

• One Cal NORML eblast sponsorship

$2,500 Gold

• All of the above, plus:

• One-year  legal referral guide listing on CaNORML.org…

A statue of Lady Justice and a gavel are set against a green background, framed with cannabis leaves at the top and bottom, hinting at a California NORML Legal Seminar from June 2021. The scales of justice are held high in the statue’s left hand. CA Norml

Sponsor Cal NORML’s 2024 Legal Seminar

 

Image promoting the Cal NORML Legal Seminar 2024 on January 20. The design features a statue of Lady Justice and a gavel against a green background, framed by cannabis leaves. Event details and the website www.CaNORML.org are provided at the bottom. CA Norml

Read more about the Seminar

Sponsoring the sixth annual Cal NORML Legal Seminar on January 20, 2024 is a great way to raise visibility for your company among the top cannabis attorneys, businesspeople, and consumers in California.

Sponsorship will position and brand your business as one that is helping to move cannabis issues forward. We expect 50-100 attendees at the event.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

• $5,000 Platinum

• $2,500 Gold

• $1000 Silver

 

WHAT YOU GET 

$1000 Silver

  • One free ticket to the Seminar
  • Logo with link on the Legal Seminar Website Page
  • Announcement of sponsorship on all our social media accounts
  • Logo on slide show presentation at seminar
  • One-year business membership including listing and guest blog on CaNORML.org
…
Black and white image of President Nixon at a podium, pointing with his right hand. There is a text overlay that reads, "Today marks the 50th anniversary of President Nixon's declaration of the War on Drugs," recognized by Cal NORML as Drug Peace Day, June 17. CA Norml

Cal NORML Calls for Drug Peace Day on June 17

Black and white image of President Nixon at a podium, pointing with his right hand. There is a text overlay that reads, "Today marks the 50th anniversary of President Nixon's declaration of the War on Drugs," recognized by Cal NORML as Drug Peace Day, June 17. CA Norml

 

This June 17th marks the 50th anniversary of President Nixon’s declaration of the War on Drugs.  The evidence is clear that the drug war has failed; 83% of Americans say so in a recent ACLU poll.

Cal NORML is declaring a day of peace on June 17 in support of more effective, equitable, and humane policies towards drugs.

PLEASE WRITE TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO TELL THEM TO END THE UNJUST AND INEQUITABLE 50-YEAR WAR ON DRUGS. …

A vibrant poster celebrates the 25th anniversary of California's Prop 215 for medical marijuana. Featuring a woman in a flowing white dress with a floral crown surrounded by cannabis plants, it announces the San Francisco event and reception for this milestone. "25th Anniversary Prop 215 Medical Marijuana" is prominently displayed. CA Norml

Sponsor Cal NORML’s 25th Anniversary of Prop. 215 Event

Art Nouveau-style poster celebrating the 25th anniversary of Prop. 215 and Cal NORML, featuring a woman in a white dress and flower crown holding a cannabis plant, with lush greenery and a coastal landscape in the background, and text reading "Medical Marijuana. CA NormlRaise your company’s profile by sponsoring Cal NORML’s conference to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the passage of Prop. 215, the historic voter initiative that legalized medical marijuana in California and jump-started marijuana reform across the country.

The day-long event will be held at the beautiful General’s Residence at Ft. Mason Center in San Francisco. Speakers from around the state will reminisce about the coalition of activists and events that made history 25 years ago, and make plans to move forward towards further reforms.…

A vibrant graphic with the number "420" in the center, displayed in red, yellow, and green colors. Radiating outward from a black circle are alternating rays of the same colors, creating a sunburst pattern. The background is solid green, celebrating Cal NORML Events with flair. CA Norml

April Specials on Cal NORML Memberships and Events

A black circle in the center of the image features the number "420" in green, yellow, and red. Radiating from the circle are alternating red, yellow, and green stripes, creating a vibrant sunburst pattern reminiscent of Cal NORML events. CA NormlIt’s April and that means 4/20 is upon us! To celebrate, Cal NORML is offering $420 yearly business memberships (regularly priced at $500) through April 30. Memberships can also be purchased for $42/month.

As a California NORML business member you’ll be listed in one of the Cannabis Marketplace Directories on CaNORML.org, our longstanding website with 1.63 million yearly page views. Directory categories include Dispensaries & Delivery, Legal Services, Cannabis Products, Cannabis Business Services, and Vaporizer Resources.

Additional benefits of business membership include the ability to sponsor our weekly eNewsletter or publish a guest blog post, and discounts on NCIA memberships.…

A promotional graphic for a Cal NORML statewide Zoom meeting on Wednesday, December 2 at 4 PM PST, featuring Nat’l NORML Political Director Justin Strekal and Special Guest Congresswoman Barbara Lee, discussing the upcoming federal MORE Act vote and 2021 state action plans. CA Norml

Cal NORML’s Statewide Zoom Meeting on December 2

A promotional graphic for a Cal NORML statewide Zoom meeting on Wednesday, December 2 at 4 PM PST, featuring Nat’l NORML Political Director Justin Strekal and Special Guest Congresswoman Barbara Lee, discussing the upcoming federal MORE Act vote and 2021 state action plans. CA Norml

Cal NORML hosted a statewide Zoom meeting for all interested activists on Wednesday, December 2 at 4 PM PST.

Watch a video of the meeting.

Our special guest was Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Barbara Lee was born in segregated El Paso, TX and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, where she was taught by the Sisters of Loretto, an order dedicated to promoting justice and peace. After grammar school, Congresswoman Lee moved to San Fernando, California and worked with the local NAACP to integrate her high school cheerleading squad.…

A large group of people arranged in the shape of a cannabis leaf, viewed from above on a white background. Scattered individuals and small groups surround the main formation, highlighting the leaf silhouette—symbolizing the movement towards expanding cannabis rights in your community. CA Norml

Cal NORML Local Action Toolkit

UPDATED 12/3/2024

Arm yourself with resources for expanding cannabis rights in your community!

The battleground for cannabis rights has often shifted to the local level, where many of California’s cities and counties are passing ordinances restricting marijuana businesses, cannabis lounges, cultivation rights, and more. Locals have the right to enact zoning ordinances, and often listen to a few NIMBYs or well-meaning individuals who are fearful of progress, sometimes using tired old rhetoric that doesn’t stand up to science, or reality. In addition, well funded anti-tobacco organizations and health departments show up at hearings falsely equating cannabis smoke with tobacco smoke.…

The image shows the California State Capitol building in bright daylight. Above the building, a cloud in the shape of a cannabis leaf stands out against the blue sky. The California NORML logo and website URL, www.CaNORML.org, are displayed at the bottom, reminiscent of an activist's bill. CA Norml

Cal NORML Legislative Priorities for 2020

Preliminary responses to our recent membership survey show that Cal NORML is on track with
our legislative priorities for 2020. Respondents voted their top three priorities as:
• 76% Lowering taxes on cannabis
• 63% Employment rights for medical patients
• 63% Opening local markets for marijuana businesses
There’s still time to let us know what your priorities are! Click here to take the survey. 

The image shows the California State Capitol building in bright daylight. Above the building, a cloud in the shape of a cannabis leaf stands out against the blue sky. The California NORML logo and website URL, www.CaNORML.org, are displayed at the bottom, reminiscent of an activist's bill. CA NormlLOWERING TAXES

Asm. Rob Bonta has introduced AB 1978, which would would temporarily reduce the cannabis excise tax from 15% to 11% and suspend the cultivation tax until July 1, 2023.…

A white tray is filled with various vaping supplies, including multiple vape pens, e-cigarettes, vape mods, cartridges, USB chargers, and bottles of flavored e-liquid. Flavored e-liquid packaging and a range of colorful and metallic devices are visible. For more insights on vaping trends, see the latest Cal NORML white paper. CA Norml

Cal NORML Releases White Paper on Vaping

A white tray is filled with various vaping supplies, including multiple vape pens, e-cigarettes, vape mods, cartridges, USB chargers, and bottles of flavored e-liquid. Flavored e-liquid packaging and a range of colorful and metallic devices are visible. For more insights on vaping trends, see the latest Cal NORML white paper. CA Norml

A variety of vape products seized from highschool students in Sacramento.

January 27, 2020 – Cal NORML has issued a White Paper titled, “Health Benefits and Risks of Cannabis Vaporizers and Vape Pens.” The paper contains several findings and recommendations, including:

The California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC)  has reported that not a single California-licensed product has been linked to EVALI [E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury] so far.  The problem thus appears to be a creation of the underground market, which at last report was some three times as large as the legally regulated one. …

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.…