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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.

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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.

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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.…