Uncategorized

A composite image featuring two people. On the left, a woman with long brown hair in a brown blazer stands outside smiling. On the right, a man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a gray suit, sits on blue stairs with a serious expression. The image is tagged "Policy Webinar," hinting at an important event on August 25. CA Norml

Leading Issues in California Cannabis Law and Policy: Online Webinar on Thursday, August 25

A man with short dark hair and a beard is sitting in front of a blue background. He is wearing a blue blazer over a white shirt, and he is smiling gently at the camera, ready to discuss California Cannabis Law in an upcoming online webinar. CA Norml A woman with long, straight brown hair is standing outdoors. She is wearing a brown blazer and a light-colored top, with a pendant necklace. The background features greenery with out-of-focus foliage. She has a neutral expression and looks directly at the camera, as if awaiting her Online Webinar on August 25. CA NormlOn Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 4:00- 5:30 pm, Cal NORML Board Members and California cannabis policy experts Hirsh Jain and Lauren Mendelsohn will host a webinar to discuss the most critical issues facing the California cannabis industry.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED IN  ORDER TO APPLY FOR MCLE CREDITS, WHICH ARE NOW PENDING.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW:

PUBLIC: $25 (SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS AVAILABLE: WRITE HERE).

CAL NORML ATTORNEY MEMBERS: $50 (WITH 1.5 HOURS CLE CREDITS – pending)

NON-MEMBER ATTORNEYS: $75 (WITH 1.5 HOURS CLE CREDITS – pending)

Lauren and Hirsh will be providing updates and their commentary on five key topics:

• Tax reform efforts at the state and local level

• The expansion of retail licensing across the state

• The impact of the provisional license deadline / CEQA compliance

• Growth in California’s illicit market

• The impact of new DCC regulations

Lauren and Hirsh will also field questions on, and lead an interactive discussion about, these five issues and how they might impact the trajectory of the California cannabis industry in the years ahead.…

Racism in Drug Testing: A Literature Survey

It is not news that workplace drug testing is a potentially racist practice. The pattern fits an observation previously made by the ACLU, which wrote on its website that drug-testing policies not only are a “significant and unjustified invasion of privacy, they also single out those living in low-income communities and disproportionately impact people of color.”

Social scientists have found that managers often believe black people are more likely to be drug users. Notre Dame economics professor Abigail K. Wozniak writes in her 2014 report, “Discrimination and the Effects of Drug Testing on Black Employment,” that, “In a survey of hiring managers, there is a belief that blacks are more likely to fail a drug test…They also cite a 1989 survey in which 95% of [hiring survey] respondents described the typical drug user as black.”…

shauna blackburn

Advice on Protecting Yourself During COVID-19 Crisis From an Insurance Provider

Shauna Blackburn, Risk Manager specialist at Cannabis Connect Insurance Services gives advice in this video about reducing risk and protecting yourself and your business during COVID-19.

Topics include:

• Safe money handling techniques

• Holding safety meetings

• Workers’ Compensation and EPLI insurance

• Masks and Gloves; Hand Sanitizer

• Sanitizing work stations

• Building SOPs and logs to prevent litigation

• Security issues around inventory protection and break-ins

 

Learn about joining Cal NORML’s Cannabis Business Resource Directory.…

A man stands at a podium with a seal that says "Governor of the State of California." He is wearing a dark suit and tie, speaking into a microphone with his hands gesturing. Discussing statutory changes, the background is a blue curtain, and an American flag is partially visible on the side. CA Norml

Governor Releases Revised State Budget, Statutory Changes Affecting Cannabis in California

A man stands at a podium with a seal that says "Governor of the State of California." He is wearing a dark suit and tie, speaking into a microphone with his hands gesturing. Discussing statutory changes, the background is a blue curtain, and an American flag is partially visible on the side. CA NormlGovernor Gavin Newsom has issued a revised state budget with several cannabis provisions, according to the budget summary.

The revised budget forecasts the state cannabis excise tax will generate $288 million in 2018-19 and $359 million in 2019-20, a reduction of $67 million and $156 million, respectively, from the original Governor’s Budget forecast. It states, “The forecast assumes continued growth of more than 15 percent annually as new businesses continue to enter the marketplace and local jurisdictions adjust to the state’s legal framework.

…
A diverse group of people pose for a group photo indoors in Sacramento, in front of a brick wall with large windows. Some are seated while most are standing. They are all smiling, and a few are holding awards or certificates from the Annual Lobby Day on May 6. Tables with place settings are visible in the foreground. CA Norml

Join Us on May 6 at Our Annual Lobby Day in Sacramento

UPDATE 5/7/19 – Thanks to all who participated in Lobby Day! We visited hundreds of legislative offices and had a productive day. A special thanks to all of our sponsors who made the day possible.  

A large group of people standing and posing for a picture indoors. The individuals vary in age, gender, and attire. They seem to be gathered for a formal or semi-formal event, Annual Lobby Day in Sacramento, with some wearing name tags. The setting appears to be a spacious room with brick walls. CA Norml

California NORML is once again teaming up with Americans for Safe Access to co-sponsor a Citizens Lobby Day in Sacramento on May 6, 2019.

Last year’s event was a success, with more than 200 patients, advocates, providers, industry workers, and others attending and lobbying their elected officials for marijuana reform bills.

…
The image shows a large white classical-style building with a prominent dome, decorated with a small flag on top, and flanked by two wings. The building, where locals once banned cannabis deliveries, is surrounded by lush green trees and set against a clear blue sky. CA Norml

Bill Allowing Locals to Ban All Cannabis Deliveries Defeated in Committee

April 9, 2019 – AB 1530, a bill that would have allowed local jurisdictions to ban cannabis deliveries originating outside their jurisdictional borders, was defeated in its first committee hearing today after cannabis activists and industry representatives objected to the bill.

Cal NORML wrote to the committee and testified against the bill, and promulgated an Action Alert that generated hundreds of letters to lawmakers in opposition. Thanks to all of our members and supporters who took action!

In introducing the bill, Asm.…

Four individuals standing in front of a backdrop with campaign signs promote Gavin for Governor and Buffy Wicks. The two women are smiling on both ends, one man with a beard and glasses is in the middle-left, and another man in a tie is on the middle-right. These California candidates proudly support pro-cannabis legislation. CA Norml

Pro-Cannabis Candidates and Measures Carry Across California

This page will be updated as more results are reported.

Updated 11/11

Gavin Newsom, a cannabis supporter who pushed for the passage of Prop. 64 to legalize adult recreational use in California, will be the new governor of the state. Incumbent Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who has vowed to protect the state’s legalization law against federal intrusion, also won his race. Both are carrying their contests with 60% of the vote. (Pictured: newly elected East Bay Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, Cal NORML director Dale Gieringer, Sabrina Fendrick from Berkeley Patients Group, and Newsom.)…

A grand, neoclassical building is pictured behind a well-manicured lawn adorned with tall palm trees and lush green bushes. Two flags flutter atop the building's rooftop, signaling local restrictions, while the sky is clear and blue. The architecture features columns and large windows. CA Norml

Local Restrictions on Personal Cannabis Cultivation Struck Down in Court

November 2, 2018 – San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge David Cohn has issued a ruling striking down parts of a City of Fontana ordinance placing restrictions on residential marijuana growers in the first court case limiting a local jurisdiction’s ability to regulate personal cultivation rights in California under Proposition 64 (AUMA).

The ruling is the result of a lawsuit filed against the city by the Drug Policy Alliance and the ACLU (at the urging of Cal NORML) on behalf of plaintiff Mike Harris, a retired ironworker and registered nurse seeking to cultivate marijuana in his Fontana home to ease his arthritis and pain from past injuries.…

Three people are seated on stage in front of a colorful, geometric background with cannabis leaf designs at the NCIA conference. They are engaged in a panel discussion. The person on the left is speaking into a microphone, while the others listen attentively. Various drinks are on the table. CA Norml

NCIA CCIA Conference Report: Day 2

BCC chief Lori Ajax kicked off Day 2 of the NCIA/CCIA conference and trade show in Anaheim by reminding the crowd that everything the Bureau does affects the cannabis consumer and the public, as well as licensees.

Speaking of the 152-page regulatory document released with revisions following thousands of comments last Friday, Ajax noted, “A change in regulations is a good thing because we’re listening.” Following another public comment period ending November 5, Ajax expects the final regulatory package will be sent to the Office of Administrative Law by December 3.…

Image shows a logo of a bear composed of geometric shapes in a gold color, with the letters "CCIA" beneath it in matching gold on a dark green background, representing the Conference's emblem. CA Norml

NCIA/CCIA Conference Report: Day One

Read Day 2 Report

The NCIA/CCIA conference in Anaheim got off to a rousing start with NCIA founder Aaron Smith reminding the crowd that California was still the biggest potential market for the cannabis industry, even now that Canada has become the second country to legalize it. Smith announced that the latest Gallup poll shows 66% of Americans are in favor of legalization, fully 2/3 and the highest (ahem) number yet. Speaking of the coming midterm elections, Smith opined, “No matter the result, we’re going to see a Green Wave,” listing numerous states that are looking to legalize on the November ballot.…

A clear glass with an illustration of a bear holding a banner that reads "California" and standing in front of a green cannabis leaf, nodding to CA Cannabis Regulations. The glass contains three yellow pencils with erasers and is placed on a wooden surface against a plain background. CA Norml

CA Cannabis Regulations Issued for Final 15-Day Comment Period

Updated 1:10 PM

October 19, 2018 – Regulations for cannabis businesses in California have been issued by the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), the CA Dept of Food of Agriculture (CDFA), and the CA Dept. of Public Health (CDPH). A final 15-day comment period on the proposed regulations has opened.

The controversial regulation allowing deliveries throughout the state, which Cal NORML supports, has been amended in the BCC regulations to read:

§ 5416. Delivery to a Physical Address (changes in italics)

(d) A delivery employee may deliver to any jurisdiction within the State of California provided that such delivery is conducted in compliance with all delivery provisions of this division.…

A group of five people stand behind a podium with microphones. To the left is a poster titled "Campaign Against Marijuana Planting" with maps and text, and to the right is an image of confiscated marijuana plants. Two flags are displayed in the background, as AG Becerra addresses the assembly. CA Norml

AG Becerra Announces Campaign Against Marijuana Planting Data for 2018

Attorney General Becerra announced that this year’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, a multijurisdictional task force including DEA and other agencies, made 52 arrests at 254 grow sites across 40 counties.

The Campaign Against Marijuana Planting claims to have eradicated 614,267 illegal marijuana plants on public lands in California this year, half the number taken in 2017. The state’s wildfires were a contributing factor in the drop, Becerra spokeswoman Jennifer Molina said.

Arrestees were “Mexican national drug traffickers who are working for drug cartels,” DEA special agent Karen Flowers said at a press conference with AG Becerra and others.…

U.S. map showing locations of 698 Drug-Free Communities Program grantees for fiscal year 2016, including U.S. territories. Green dots mark new mentoring grantees, yellow dots new grantees, blue dots mentoring grantees, and small blue dots continuation grantees. Fairfax residents are among the ONDCP Grantee recipients. CA Norml

ONDCP Grantee Sends Mailer to Fairfax Residents Against Adult-Use Cannabis Sales

September 14, 2018 – A Marin County organization funded by the US Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sent a mailer to every resident in Fairfax, California urging them to come out and oppose the approval of adult-use cannabis sales at a town council meeting last August 15.

The mailer, issued at taxpayers’ expense, claims that cannabis shops are associated with higher levels of property crime, that regular use of cannabis can lead to life-long addiction problems, that permissive attitudes lead to higher teen use, and more.…

An image of the California State Capitol building with a white cloud in the sky shaped like a marijuana leaf. At the bottom, there is a logo for California NORML and the website URL www.CanORML.org in green text, symbolizing support for Cannabis Bills awaiting the Governor's signature. CA Norml

Cannabis Bills Sent to Governor for Signature

UPDATED 10/1/18 3:17 AM

Governor Brown met his deadline of Sunday, Sept. 30 to sign or veto bills from this year’s legislative session.

He signed a bill to automatically resentence past marijuana convictions, but vetoed one to protect cannabis compassion programs that give away medicine to indigent patients, and another to allow parents to bring cannabis medicines to their children at school.

He also signed bills to allow veterenarians to discuss cannabis with pet owners, establish a statewide equity program for cannabis businesses, and expand the venues where cannabis events can be held.…

A woman holding a "California Republic" flag and a bunch of leafy green plants is depicted against a yellow sunlit background. Text at the bottom reads, "Sow the seeds of Victory!" in a retro-style illustration that nods to pending regulations and Cannabis Control by Cal NORML. CA Norml

Cal NORML Submits Comments to Bureau of Cannabis Control on Pending Regulations

August 27, 2018 – On behalf of its members and cannabis consumers across the state, California NORML has submitted comments to the state Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) on their proposed final regulations for cannabis businesses in the state.

Cal NORML’s three main concerns are:

CONCERN #1: Resealable Child-Resistant Opaque Exit Packaging Unnecessary

The proposed regulations unnecessarily require that no cannabis goods leave the premises unless placed in a “resealable, child-resistant opaque packages” (Sec. 5411(b)4 and 5413).
Cal NORML constantly hears consumer complaints about the ungainly, non-recyclable packaging in which they must carry their products.…

Logo of the Bureau of Cannabis Control California. On the left, there's an emblem featuring a stylized representation of a cannabis leaf. To the right, bold letters read "Bureau of Cannabis Control," with "California" underneath in a smaller font, reflecting its role in overseeing proposed cannabis regulations. CA Norml

Final Hearings on Proposed Cannabis Regulations for California

Sacramento, August 21, 2018 –
Led by committee member Alice Huffman of NAACP, the state Bureau of Cannabis Control’s Cannabis Advisory Committee voted overwhelmingly on August 20 to approve a resolution in favor of regulation 5416(d), to allow for home deliveries of cannabis throughout California. Cal NORML testified in favor of the regulation along with many others, mostly in support. A lively debate on the topic was held among the committee members, with Sgt. David Woolsey of San Jose expressing concerns about public safety on the roadways, and committee chair Matt Rahn, mayor of Temecula, voicing support for local control.…

A grand, neoclassical building with a large dome under a bright blue sky. A cloud shaped like a cannabis leaf appears above the building, symbolizing Marijuana Resentencing. The text below reads, "Cal NORML" and "www.CaNORML.org" with an eagle logo on the left. CA Norml

Marijuana Resentencing Bill Passes CA Senate, Awaits Governor’s Signature

August 22, 2018 – AB 1793 (Bonta), a bill to create a simpler and expedited pathway for Californians to have certain criminal convictions for cannabis-related offenses removed or reduced from their records, has passed the California Senate and is heading to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

PLEASE WRITE TO GOV. BROWN AND ASK HIM TO SIGN AB 1793 INTO LAW

Proposition 64, which California voters passed in November 2016, legalized recreational cannabis use and allowed those with marijuana convictions to petition courts to dismiss their cases.…

A delivery person from Cal NORML hands a brown package with a green medical cross symbol to a recipient at their doorstep. The delivery person is smiling, and the image is set outdoors with greenery visible in the background, highlighting the ease of home deliveries for cannabis products. CA Norml

Cal NORML Backs Home Deliveries of Cannabis in California

August 16, 2018 – In testimony submitted to state Bureau of Cannabis Control, Cal NORML strongly backed a proposed regulation to allow home delivery of cannabis from licensed businesses to households throughout California.

“On behalf of California’s many consumers living in jurisdictions that have banned licensed sales of cannabis, we wish to express our strong support for your proposed regulation Chapter 3, Sec. 5416(d), which clarifies that licensed cannabis delivery businesses may drive and deliver their wares to residents in any jurisdiction in California,” the letter states.…

A diverse group of thirteen people of different ages and ethnicities stand against a white background. They are dressed in various casual and professional clothing styles, with neutral or smiling expressions. Among them are members advocating for employment rights, conveying a sense of community and inclusiveness. CA Norml

CA Democratic Executive Committee Endorses Employment Rights for Cannabis Users

At their July 13-15 meeting in Oakland, the California Democratic Party’s Executive Board passed a resolution in support of the right of all employees to engage in the consumption of cannabis off-duty without the fear of being terminated from their jobs.

The CaDEM resolution supports all employees’ rights (for medical and recreational use) and was sponsored by the Brownie Mary Democrats of California.

Despite the passage of Prop. 64 in California, employees here can still be terminated from their jobs for failing a drug test for marijuana, even if they have a doctor’s recommendation to use it.…

A pair of hands, one in a handcuff and the other breaking free, are raised against a background of marijuana leaves. The image suggests liberation or freedom in the context of Prop. 64 and marijuana arrests. CA Norml

Marijuana Arrests in CA Drop 56% Following Passage of Prop. 64; Felony Arrests Drop 74%

July 9, 2018 – According to the Attorney General’s annual crime report for 2017, arrests for marijuana offenses dropped precipitously in California following the passage of Proposition 64, which legalized the recreational use for adults in November 2016. A total of 6,065 marijuana arrests took place in 2017, versus 13,810 arrests in 2016, a drop of 56%.

Felony arrests for marijuana fell a whopping 74% to 2,086 in 2017 from 7,949 in 2016. Under Prop 64, the majority of felony offenses were reduced to misdemeanors.…