The California NORML/Americans for Safe Access Citizen Lobby Day on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Sacramento brought dozens of supporters from across the state to meet with their state representatives and make our voices heard on pending legislation affecting the rights of cannabis consumers in California.
A survey sent to lobby day participants found that 81% of respondents found the experience “empowering”; 88% found it “educational/interesting” and 77% thought it was “enjoyable/fun.” Of the respondents, who were adult use and/or medical marijuana consumers and/or cannabis business people, 69% responded yes to, “I felt my voice was heard regarding cannabis legislation in California” and 77% agreed, “Cal NORML made it easy for me to be a citizen lobbyist.”
Among attendees—60% of whom were returning citizen lobbyists—77% agreed, “I re-connected with friends and/or colleagues,” with 81% saying, “I met new friends/activists.” Some 92% of respondents said they would return for another Lobby Day (only 8% were “unsure” and no one answered “no”).
“Despite cannabis legalization in California, enacted by the voters with Prop. 64 in 2016, obstacles remain to consumer access to safe, affordable cannabis products, and to the experience of enjoying it in public spaces,” said Ellen Komp, Deputy Director of Cal NORML. “Citizen Lobby Days go a long way towards building relationships with lawmakers, and erasing lingering stigmas against cannabis consumers. And they’re lots of fun!”
“It’s important to realize how important Lobby Day is, because more bills that have come to fruition in California have come from a Lobby Day,” said Richard Miller of Americans for Safe Access California Advisory Committee, pointing to a 2015 bill to end discrimination against medical marijuana patients who need organ transplants. “Past lobby days have helped bring about reforms such as employment rights for cannabis consumers, and medical rights for pain patients and others who use cannabis,” Miller added.
“Participating in Lobby Day is pivotal for civic engagement, as it empowers citizens to amplify their voices in legislative processes,” said Jakki Hernandez of Orange County NORML. “This event offers an inspiring environment for training, pairing newcomers with experienced attendees to foster camaraderie and guidance. Through this collaborative approach, advocacy efforts are strengthened, enhancing the community’s influence in shaping laws that impact them. By the conclusion of the day, newcomers become proficient in discussing the relevant bills, underscoring the importance of fighting for one’s beliefs through education and activation. Every individual should experience a lobby day to witness firsthand the significance of advocating for what they believe in.”
Sponsors for this year’s Lobby Day include Silver Sponsor KIVA Confections, and these Bronze sponsors: The Law Office of Shay Gilmore, The Green Cross, Ananda Strategy, PAX, The Law Offices of Omar Figueroa, Snowtill, Ispire, Ian Rassman, and the Brownie Mary Democratic Club of San Francisco.
“At Kiva, we believe in empowering consumers to shape the future of cannabis by championing responsible consumption. Sponsoring Lobby Day is our commitment to amplifying the consumer voice and advancing efforts to normalize responsible cannabis use,” said Caryn Woodson of Kiva. Sponsor Nate Landau from Snowtill added, “We are sponsoring lobby day because Cannabis compassion donation programs (AB2555) need to be renewed, so patients in need, especially veterans, can continue getting their medicine.
Some of the bills we lobbied on are:
- AB 2555 (Quirk-Silva) to renew tax-free cannabis compassion programs for indigent patients, which were put into place with SB 34 (Wiener, 2019) and set to expire next year.
- AB 1775 (Haney) to allow cannabis businesses to prepare and sell noncannabis, nonalcoholic food and drinks in a cannabis café model boosting both the industry and the consumer experiences. Cal NORML is sponsoring this bill and is working to address concerns raised by the Governor in his veto message last year.
- SB 1059 (Bradford) would prohibit a city or county from including in the definition of gross receipts, for purposes of any local tax or fee on a licensed cannabis retailer, the amount of any cannabis excise tax imposed under the Cannabis Tax Law or any sales and use taxes.
- SB-1264 – (Grove) – would exclude from employment rights protections in AB 2188 employees in sworn positions within law enforcement agencies. We oppose this bill.
Read more about cannabis bills pending in the California legislature.
LOBBY DAY SCHEDULE
MORNING
10 AM – 12 PM; doors open at 9:15 serving coffee, donuts and such
Capitol Event Center
1020 11th St. (between J and K Streets)
Gather for training/legislative overview; pick up your afternoon appointment information
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)
AFTERNOON
1 PM Group Photo at the Capitol (exact location TBA)
1:30 – 5 PM
Attendees will go to the Capitol for appointments with your elected representatives or their staffs.
EVENING
5 PM – 7 PM
Afterparty / Reception – food, drinks and fun!
Cafeteria 15L
