Last month, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom (D), signed 10 new cannabis-related bills to improve the state’s marijuana program and market. Some of these measures relate to interstate cannabis commerce, employment protection for consumers, convictions, and medical cannabis delivery.
The governor reviewed many cannabis bills and acted on the majority of them. He recognized what reforms were necessary to fulfill the promises of legalization and reparations for prohibition.
“For too many Californians, the promise of cannabis legalization remains out of reach. These measures build on the important strides our state has made toward this goal, but much work remains to build an equitable, safe and sustainable legal cannabis industry. I look forward to partnering with the Legislature and policymakers to fully realize cannabis legalization in communities across California,” Newsom said in a press release.
Legislation that was signed includes:
- SB 1326: A bill allowing interstate marijuana commerce between California and other legal states
- AB 1706: A bill mandating the courts to seal records for people with eligible cannabis convictions in a certain timeframe
“It is unimaginable and unacceptable that years after we legalized cannabis, Californians are still waiting to get their records cleared,” Bonta said in a press release. “We promised this to tens of thousands of Californians, and to date, we have fallen short of that promise. My bill finally provides that relief and guarantee individuals are not denied opportunities to succeed in life because of minor cannabis records. We have a moral obligation to get this right.”
- SB 1186: A bill preventing localities from banning medical cannabis deliveries within their limits
“Finally, patients in rural areas—who have to drive for hours or rely on the illegal cannabis market to access their medicine—will be able to get cannabis delivered right to their door. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for helping us ensure anyone who needs it can access this life-saving medicine,” said Sen. Scott Wiener (D).
- AB 2188: A bill that makes it “unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person in hiring, termination, or any term or condition of employment, or otherwise penalize a person” for their use of cannabis off-duty. This will eliminate THC drug testing based on employment. However, there are exceptions for certain positions like federal employees and construction workers.
- AB 1885: A proposal to amend the state’s law that prohibits the authorization of cannabis products for animals. It is meant to allow veterinarians to recommend regulated cannabis products to animals.
“Veterinarians will be able to recommend safe, regulated cannabis products for their animal patients so our pets can live healthier and more comfortable lives,” Said Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D).
- AB 1894: A bill that requires new advertising and label provisions for vaporizer products, stating that they should be properly disposed to prevent hazardous waste when discarded improperly.
- AB 2568: A bill that makes it legal for insurances and related services to people engaged in licensed commercial cannabis activity.
- AB 2210: A bill that prohibits the state from denying cannabis licenses for temporary events solely based on if there is already an Alcoholic Beverage Control Act license for the same event.
- AB 2925: A bill that mandates the State Department of Health Care Services to submit reports to the legislature that accounts for cannabis tax revenue distrusted amongst the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account. This must be submitted by July 10, 2023.
- AB 1646: A bill authorizing cannabis beverages to be packaged in containers that are clear or any color and any material.
Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
The Governor also recently signed other cannabis-related bills, including:
- A bill that protects medical cannabis patients from discrimination in healthcare.
- A bill that amends the use of medical marijuana products by registered patients at hospitals.
- A bill requiring social workers to handle parental cannabis use that same way as they do for alcohol when investigating child welfare.
More Content
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BACKWOODS AND HIP-HOP
TERPENES FOR ANXIETY: 3 TERPS IN CANNABIS WITH STRESS-RELIEVING PROPERTIES
RAPPER WEED: WHICH RAPPERS HAVE CANNABIS PRODUCTS IN THE MARKET? WHO ACTUALLY HAS THE FIRE?
18 COMPANIES THAT DON’T DRUG TEST THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR WEED
7 TIPS FOR MARKETING CANNABIS AND CBD ON TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM
