Gov. Newsom Signs Bill to Protect Employment Rights of Cannabis Consumers, Other Reform Measures

SACRAMENTO, September 18 – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed several measures to strengthen California’s cannabis laws, expand the legal cannabis market and redress the harms of cannabis prohibition.
Among the bills signed were AB 2188 by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), a Cal NORML-sponsored bill that protects Californians from employment discrimination based on their use of cannabis off-the-clock and away from the workplace.

The Governor also signed:
• AB 1706 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) ensures that Californians with old cannabis-related convictions will finally have those convictions sealed. This and AB 2188 were signed to “further unwind California’s failed history of cannabis prohibition,” a press release from the Governor’s office said.
• SB 1186 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) preempts local bans on medicinal cannabis delivery, expanding patients’ access to legal, regulated cannabis products. Cal NORML testified in favor of the bill at its hearings.
• SB 1326 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced), which creates a process for California to enter into agreements with other states to allow cannabis transactions with entities outside California.
• AB 1885 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) to allow veterinarians to recommend cannabis for pets.
• AB 2210 by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) to allow venues with liquor licenses to host cannabis events.
• AB 1894 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) – Integrated cannabis vaporizer: packaging, labeling, advertisement, and marketing.

 
The Governor formerly signed:
• AB 1954 (Quirk) to protect the right of patients to medical treatment if they use marijuana, and the right of physicians and clinics to treat them. The bill was sponsored by Cal NORML and co-sponsored by Americans for Safe Access.
• AB 2595 (Jones-Sawyer) would require the State Department of Social Services to treat a parent’s use of cannabis in the same manner as alcohol or legally prescribed medication.
• SB 988 (Hueso) to clarify “Ryan’s Law,” allowing terminally ill patients to use cannabis in healthcare facilities.
For the text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
 
Thanks to all of our supporters who sent thousands of letters in support of many of these bills, and those who lobbied with us at Lobby Day and throughout the year for reform. Please consider supporting Cal NORML in our work moving forward to implement these new laws.
 

The Governor’s release from today stated:
Though the state has made significant progress since the legalization of cannabis, local opposition, rigid bureaucracy and federal prohibition continue to pose challenges to the industry and consumers. The Governor is calling on legislators and other policymakers to redouble efforts to address and eliminate these barriers.
“For too many Californians, the promise of cannabis legalization remains out of reach,” said Governor Newsom. “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.”
These bills build on the Administration’s efforts to strengthen California’s cannabis legalization framework. As part of this year’s state budget, the Governor signed legislation to provide tax relief to consumers and the cannabis industry; support equity businesses; strengthen enforcement tools against illegal cannabis operators; bolster worker protections; expand access to legal retail; and protect youth, environmental and public safety programs funded by cannabis tax revenue.

To expedite policy reforms that prioritize and protect California consumers’ health and safety, the Governor has directed the California Department of Public Health to convene subject matter experts to survey current scientific research and policy mechanisms to address the growing emergence of high-potency cannabis and hemp products. The Governor has also directed the Department of Cannabis Control to further the scientific understanding of potency and its related health impacts by prioritizing the funding of research related to cannabis potency through its existing public university grants. [Cal NORML is working with a group of doctors and others to address this issue and provide recommendations for public education and policy.]

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Election Guide to Cannabis Candidates and Measures: November 2022

 
This page will be updated as we learn more about candidates and races. 
The California General Election is on Tuesday, November 8. Register to vote. If you miss the deadline, you can also register and vote in person through Election Day using same-day registration.

Here are Cal NORML’s recommendations for pro-cannabis candidates in key or contentious races for the November 8 General Election in California. Send any input about these or other races for this guide here.
Read about more races at NORML’s Smoke the Vote Guide
 
Local Ballot Measures
https://ballotpedia.org/California_2022_local_ballot_measures
A few notes –

In some instances, the City Council will try to pass its own retail ordinance, in order to maintain control over the regulatory process. This illustrates how these ballot measures often force cities to finally pass ordinances, and can be an effective strategy in getting cities to finally respect the will of their voters and license cannabis businesses.
Many of these cities are concentrated in SoCal: LA County, Orange County, San Diego County. It shows these SoCal markets opening up further.
Some of these cities are very large population centers: RIverside (325k), Huntington Beach (200k), Ontario (200k), Lake Forest (100k) and so would significantly increase legal cannabis access for these residents, and the residents of nearby cities.
Similarly, LA County and San Diego County are the two biggest counties in the state and would help significantly contribute to the expansion of retail access in the state.

KINGS COUNTY
Avenal  – Measure C
Seeks to tax cannabis businesses at $25/sq. ft. of business area or 15% of gross receipts; whichever is greater
 
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Baldwin Park – Measure CB
Shall the measure authorizing cannabis retailers to sell and deliver medical cannabis and cannabis products to adults, and adult-use cannabis and cannabis products to persons 21 years and older, with retailers paying a 0.5% tax and 4% tax on gross receipts from sales, respectively, providing $300,000 to $3 million annually for general government use, and authorizing City Council to modify rates up to 5%, until repealed by voters, be adopted?
Claremont – Measure CT
To fund City services, shall a measure establishing a tax on cannabis and hemp businesses of the following rates: 4%-7% of gross receipts for retail businesses; and the higher of 1 %-4% of gross receipts or $1-$10 per square foot for other businesses, with certain rates increasing annually, generating an estimated $500,000 annually if cannabis and hemp businesses were to be authorized in the future, until ended by voters, be adopted?
Cudahy – Measure BA
Cannabis Businesses Accountability Measure
To increase funding for parks, recreational programs, roads and sidewalks and other general governmental purposes, shall an ordinance authorizing and regulating storefront retail cannabis sales and other commercial cannabis activities be approved with prohibitions on retail operations within 600 feet of schools, churches, childcare facilities and other sensitive uses and with retailers required to pay a 15% gross receipts tax to raise approximately $3,581,952.75 annually until ended by Cudahy voters?
El Segundo – Measures Y & W
Measure Y – Shall an ordinance (a “yes” vote taxing cannabis does “not” make cannabis businesses legal in El Segundo; it creates a tax in case a cannabis business ever becomes legal) funding general municipal expenses such as police, fire, streets, and parks, by establishing taxes upon cannabis businesses not to exceed $20 per square foot for cultivation and 10% of gross receipts for other cannabis businesses, until ended by voters, generating approximately $600,000 to $1,500,000 annually, be adopted?
Measure W –  Shall an ordinance be adopted to repeal the City’s current prohibition on commercial cannabis activities to authorize commercial cannabis retailers east of Pacific Coast Highway in the Multimedia Overlay District by right, if no less than 1,750 square feet, with sensitive receptor buffers and away from major arterial frontages, subject to a City permitting process; and authorize the City Council to subsequently regulate non-retail cannabis businesses?
Hermosa Beach – Measures M & T
Measure M – Shall an ordinance proposed by initiative petition be adopted that repeals the City’s existing ban on cannabis businesses and allows by City-approved permit up to two cannabis retail storefront businesses, including home delivery from those stores?
Measure T – Shall an ordinance be adopted enacting a local business tax on cannabis/hemp businesses up to $20.00 per square foot for cultivation and up to 10% of gross receipts for all other cannabis/hemp businesses, estimated to generate $700,000 – $1,500,000 annually (assuming two retail stores operating and taxed at maximum rate), until ended by voters, for general governmental use, subject to independent audits, to be effective only if cannabis business operations are allowed in the City?
Lynwood – Measure TR
Shall the City adopt Ordinance No.1752 establishing a 5%, but not to exceed 10% tax on businesses selling cannabis products at retail stores in the City to help fund City general fund services such as senior citizen programs, City beautification efforts, enforcement of illegal cannabis operations, public safety, housing programs, recreation services, infrastructure, and homeless reduction and other City efforts? Estimated revenues are $3 to $6 million annually until terminated by the City Council.
Manhattan Beach – Measures MB & V
Measure MB – Shall a measure repealing Manhattan Beach’s existing prohibition of all commercial cannabis activity; allowing three cannabis retailers within city limits; allowing Manhattan Beach City Council discretion to legalize other cannabis uses; and imposing operational, design, and location requirements on such businesses, be adopted?
Measure V – Shall a measure readopting Manhattan Beach’s existing: (1) prohibition of all commercial cannabis activities in the City; and (2) allowance of limited indoor cannabis cultivation consistent with state law, be adopted?
Santa Monica – Measure HMP
Shall the measure to establish a business tax on every licensed cannabis business (including adult-use nonmedicinal cannabis retailers, distribution, manufacturing, cultivation, laboratory testing, or any other licensed cannabis business) and retailers of products containing psychoactive cannabinoids including derived from industrial hemp, up to 10% of gross receipts on cannabis and/or hemp-derived psychoactive products sold in the City, which all together could generate an estimated $3-5 million annually until repealed be adopted?
South El Monte – Measures CM & X
Measure CM – Shall the measure, permitting and thoroughly regulating limited cannabis retail businesses (1 adult-use/medical with option of up to 3 total after the measure’s 1st year), establishing a general tax at a maximum 8% of noncultivation cannabis business proceeds and $25/square foot of cultivation space (with CPI increases) applicable to permitted/unpermitted businesses, generating approximately $720,000 annually until ended by voters, for general City services (e.g., police, maintenance), be adopted?
Measure X – Shall the measure, permitting/regulating limited cannabis businesses (5 dispensaries, 2 cultivation, 1 testing facility, 2 manufactures/distributors); regulating personal cannabis use; establishing a maximum 6% special excise tax on retail cannabis/edibles sales generating approximately $126,000 annually until ended by voters for implementation costs, clinical trials, municipalities where cannabis business are located, senior/youth programs, infrastructure (streets/roads/sidewalks), public safety (sheriffs/fire department), existing/future commercial, industrial, and affordable housing developments, be adopted?
ORANGE COUNTY
Huntington Beach – Measure O
Shall the City adopt an Ordinance that taxes cannabis businesses up to 6% of gross receipts for retailers and up to 1% of gross receipts for all other cannabis businesses if they were to be permitted in the City; which is expected to generate an estimated $300,000 to $600,000 annually to fund general municipal services for Huntington Beach and will be levied until repealed by the voters?
Laguna Woods – Measure T
To fund City services, shall a measure establishing a tax on cannabis businesses of the higher of the following rates: 4%- 10% of gross receipts or $5-$35 per square foot for retail businesses; and 1%-10% of gross receipts or $1-$35 per square foot for other businesses, with certain rates increasing annually, generating an estimated $750,000 annually if cannabis businesses were to be authorized in the future, until ended by voters, be adopted?
MARIN COUNTY
Sausalito – Measure K
Shall the measure repealing the existing ban on cannabis sales in the City of Sausalito, establishing an application process for retail cannabis businesses; giving preference to local applicants that expressed interest in operating a cannabis business before April 1, 2021; authorizing one storefront and one delivery-only cannabis business; regulating the operations and location of cannabis businesses; and requiring payment to the City of the greater of 7.5% net profits or $50,000 per year, be adopted?
ORANGE COUNTY
Huntington Beach – Measure O
Shall the City adopt an Ordinance that taxes cannabis businesses up to 6% of gross receipts for retailers and up to 1% of gross receipts for all other cannabis businesses if they were to be permitted in the City; which is expected to generate an estimated $300,000 to $600,000 annually to fund general municipal services for Huntington Beach and will be levied until repealed by the voters?
Laguna Woods – Measure T
To fund City services, shall a measure establishing a tax on cannabis businesses of the higher of the following rates: 4%- 10% of gross receipts or $5-$35 per square foot for retail businesses; and 1%-10% of gross receipts or $1-$35 per square foot for other businesses, with certain rates increasing annually, generating an estimated $750,000 annually if cannabis businesses were to be authorized in the future, until ended by voters, be adopted?
STATEWIDE OFFICES
Rob Bonta for Attorney General
Bonta has long been a strong friend and supporter of and reasonable voice for cannabis law reform. In 2015, he was one of the Assemblymembers who drafted a set of bills that licensed and regulated medical cannabis, and he repeatedly worked to lower taxes on cannabis in the legislature.  In 2018, Asm. Bonta authored Cal NORML’s employment rights for medical marijuana users bill, and introduced AB 1793, which passed into law, creating an automatic pathway for Californians to have criminal convictions for cannabis-related offenses removed or reduced from their records. As AG, Bonta has worked with county officials to expedite the expungement process and announced his office would conduct a six-month review of the interagency CAMP (Campaign Against Marijuana Planting) program in October 2021.
In the nonpartisan primary, Bonta is running against Republicans Eric Early, who is for gun rights and against critical race theory, and Nathan Hochman, an Assistant US Attorney who prosecuted “narcotics traffickers and violent gang members.” Candidate Daniel Kapelovitz of the Green Party also ran in the Newsom recall; Sacramento DA Anne Marie Schubert, who is running as an Independent, is a former Republican who has been cozy with the police unions and opposed legalization. Schubert supports repealing Prop 47, which defelonized drug possession offenses, arguing that a repeal will provide offenders the treatment they need.
Alex Padilla for Senator
 
LEGISLATIVE RACES
California is in the process of redistricting, and these candidates are running in newly drawn districts, which will be finalized once they are elected and inaugurated in 2023.
Kermit Jones for Congressional District 3 (Placer County and portions of Sacramento, El Dorado and Yuba counties, including Rocklin, Roseville and Folsom, Lake Tahoe and much of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, including Plumas, Sierra, Nevada, Alpine, Mono and Inyo counties)
Trump-endorsed Kevin Kiley voted against all pro-cannabis measures in the Assembly in 2018 (except SB 829, to protect cannabis compassion programs for indigent patients), while opposing expansion of cannabis events, veterinary use, and medical access for schoolchildren.
Moderate Democratic candidate Dr. Kermit Jones has the Sac Bee endorsement, which says that the former Navy flight surgeon and Iraq veteran “brimming with thoughtful proposals on health care, wildfire resilience and more.” Dr. Jones is also a lawyer, and was a White House fellow during the Obama administration.  His Health Care Plan would “decriminalize certain drug offenses and encourage rehabilitation programs as an alternative to incarceration.”
Ami Bera for Congressional District 6 (Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, parts of Sacramento)
Beri is a medical doctor who worked with AIDS patients and supports medical marijuana. He opposed Prop. 64 to legalize recreational use in California in 2016, but has voted twice in favor of the MORE Act to legalize recreational cannabis at the federal level, as well as co-sponsoring the SAFE Banking Act, and voting to allow VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans, and preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers.
Kevin Mullin for Congressional District 15 (South San Francisco, Redwood City)
Mullin has an “A” Rating on NORML’s “Smoke the Vote” guide and a great voting record on cannabis in the state legislature. His opponents are David Canepa, a San Mateo County supervisor, and Emily Beach from Burlingame City Council for this seat being vacated by Rep. Jackie Speier.
Mike Levin for Congressional District 49 (Dana Point) 
Levin, who has an excellent voting record, faces a tough re-election campaign.
Anyone but Mike Garcia for Congressional District 27 (Santa Clarita)
Garcia has lead a campaign against illegal grows in his district, throwing medical and personal growers under his big bus. He also faces a tough race.

STATE LEGISLATIVE RACES
Dave Jones for State Senate District 8 (Richmond/Fairfield/Solano County)
Jones has been a strong supporter of cannabis reform since his days in the Assembly. As State Insurance Commissioner, he was one of the few public officials to endorse Prop 64.
Alex Lee for Assembly District 24 (Milpitas, Fremont, Newark and the Berryessa area in North San Jose)
Lee is a young Gen Z progressive. He is enthusiastically  in favor of legal marijuana, social equity, employment rights for marijuana users, and more.
Esmeralda Soria for Assembly District 27 (Frenso)
As a Fresno City Councilmember, Soria pushed for opening dispensaries in Fresno.
Tom Lackey for re-election to Assembly District 34 (Apple Valley, California City, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Twentynine Palms and parts of Hesperia, Highland, Lancaster, Palmdale, Victorville)
Lackey, a Republican and former CHP officer, co-sponsored legislation to license medical cannabis businesses in 2015. While supportive of medical access, in 2016 he opposed Prop. 64 to legalize recreational marijuana. Nonetheless, he has posted a good voting record in recent years. He sponsored bills to foster cannabis research, and worked with reform advocates to turn his DUI bill into a CHP task force, on which Cal NORML sat.
In this newly drawn district, Lackey will face Thurston Smith, who this year introduced a pair of bills to criminally or civilly penalize cannabis gardens as small as seven plants, a move seen as grandstanding in a region where Republican congressmen are making similar bluster. However, his office seems to have heard Cal NORML’s objections and his bill AB 2728 has been softened somewhat, removing the seven-plant mention.
Anyone But Steve Fox for Assembly District 39 (Palmdale)
Fox, who posted the worst voting record of any Democrat when he was in the legislature, is running for election in a new district.
Read about more federal and state races at NORML’s Smoke the Vote Guide

LOCAL RACES

Carl Tenenbaum for Sonoma County Sheriff

Tenenbaum is a member of LEAP (formerly Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, now the Law Enforcement Action Partnership) and has been endorsed by many progressive groups.
Caity Maple for Sacramento City Council
Maple worked to pass the cannabis Home Delivery Protection Bill SB 1302 (Lara – 2018). She now works as legislative director for the Perfect Union cannabis company.
Yesenia Sanchez for Alameda County Sheriff
In this anyone-but-Ahern race, Sanchez has the endorsement of the Brownie Mary Club of Alameda County, who tells us Sanchez understands and supports protecting cannabis businesses, saying they should have equal protection as other businesses, and is concerned about the nonaction of Oakland police during recent robberies. She has a focus on mental health, so that prison is not a continuous cycle as it is now. Sanchez has the endorsement of the East Bay Times, which opposes Ahern’s reelection. Ahern has been particularly obstructionist to cannabis businesses in Alameda county.
Terry Wiley for Alameda County DA
“Terry Wiley is a mensch,” writes Cal NORML Legal Director Bill Panzer.  “I’ve had nothing but good dealings with him for many years. Very reasonable and compassionate.”
Rebecca Kaplan for Alameda District 3 Supervisor

Kaplan has been a leading advocate of cannabis reform measures during her tenure as an Oakland City Councilwoman and Vice Mayor, most recently sponsoring a resolution to support Cal NORML’s employment rights for cannabis users bill. Here election would create a cannabis-friendly majority on the Board of Supervisors.
Diana Becton for Contra Costa D.A.
Becton is a progressive who has been proactive on issuing expungements for past marijuana convictions in Contra Costa county. She calls criminal justice reform a leading priority and was endorsed by George Soros’ progressive Real Justice PAC in her last election.
Eunisses Hernandez for LA City Council District 1

While at the Drug Policy Alliance, Hermandez worked on state ballot measures like Prop 47, which reclassified nonviolent crimes as misdemeanors, and Prop 64, which legalized marijuana use for adults. She was a mover and shaker in making expungements happen for past marijuana crimes. She is endorsed by the LA Times and former Sen. Holly Mitchell.
Steven Vargas for Orange County District 4 Supervisor
As a Brea city councilman, Vargas opposed a ban on medical marijuana cultivation in 2016, but opposed deliveries, citing a potential for theft.
Lori Saldaña for San Diego City Council, District 2
Saldaña was a strong advocate for marijuana law reform during her time in the state Assembly. She posted a solid pro-reform voting record, and in 2007 she sponsored a bill that would have made it state policy not to cooperate with DEA raids. In 2008, she co-authored Mark Leno’s Industrial Hemp bill and his Employment Rights for Medical Marijuana Users bill, which passed in the Legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger.
Dave Myers for San Diego Sheriff
Myers has been openly critical of the county’s over-policing of the cannabis community. “I will enforce a sensible approach to marijuana that permits safe access over black-market options,” he said when he ran in 2018. “The Sheriff currently has only one full-time detective on opioid enforcement, but ten dedicated to marijuana enforcement. Have we ever seen an overdose death on marijuana?”
Gem Montes for Colton City Council

 
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Gov. Newsom Signs Bills to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients, Considers Others

Gov. Newsom has signed a bill (AB 1954 – Quirk) to protect the right of patients to medical treatment if they use marijuana, and the right of physicians and clinics to treat them. The bill was sponsored by Cal NORML and co-sponsored by Americans for Safe Access.
“Many physicians are under the mistaken impression that they can’t prescribe medication to patients who test positive for cannabis,” said Dale Gieringer, Director of Cal NORML. In California, many health plans, health systems, and hospitals require patients to sign agreements not to use illicit or controlled substances for the duration of their prescribed opioid treatment and agree to drug testing. The new law clarifies that physicians cannot be punished for treating patients who use cannabis, notwithstanding its illicit status under federal law.
Cal NORML regularly hears from patients who are terminated from pain management medications on account of their use of medical cannabis. An online survey with nearly 600 respondents found that 18.5% have been denied prescription medications by a doctor due to their cannabis use.
A great many studies have shown cannabis is effective for pain, and can help patients reduce their use of opiates. Our survey shows that 24-30% of respondents have increased their use of opiates or other medications due to drug testing by their doctor or employer.
The California Medical Association House of Delegates adopted a resolution in 2019 condemning the automatic elimination of patients who use medicinal cannabis from pain management programs. AB 1954 would specify that a positive drug test for cannabis should not in itself be the sole basis for denying medical treatment to a patient absent a medically significant reason. “It is irresponsible and unethical for pain management programs to eliminate patients who are using medical cannabis for their chronic pain, because there is conclusive scientific evidence that cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain,” said Larry A. Bedard, a Marin-based physician who authored the CMA resolution.
“I’m so happy this bill has passed. Patients can’t wait any longer,” said Yami Bolanos, a patient and advocate from Los Angeles who was instrumental in the passage of AB 258 (Levine; 2015), ending discrimination against organ transplant patients who use cannabis in California.
The Governor also signed a bill Cal NORML supported, Sen. Hueso’s update to Ryan’s Law, SB 988. That law allows terminally ill patients to use cannabis in certain healthcare facilities, but hospitals were resisting implementing the law, claiming a federal conflict, which has been addressed in SB 988.
Other Pending Bills
The Governor has until September 30 to sign all pending bills into law. Take action at the links below.
• AB 2188 (Quirk) would protect workers against job discrimination based on urine or other tests for inactive THC metabolites. Write a Letter to Gov. Newsom in Support of AB 2188. 
• SB 1186 (Wiener), which would require local jurisdictions to allow delivery of medical cannabis, has passed through the legislature and is on the Governor’s desk. Cal NORML lobbied for the bill, and testified at hearings on its behalf. Ask Gov. Newsom to Sign SB 1186. 
• Cal NORML is also in support of AB 1706 (Bonta), a bill that provides urgently-needed solutions to the delayed implementation of our automatic marijuana record-sealing statute. Tell Gov. Newsom to Sign AB 1706. 
• AB 2595 (Jones-Sawyer) would require the State Department of Social Services to treat a parent’s use of cannabis in the same manner as alcohol or legally prescribed medication. Write to Gov. Newsom in Support of AB 2595. 
• AB 1885 (Kalra), allowing veterinarians to recommend cannabis products. You can send a support letter on AB 1885 via https://petcannabis.org/
• AB 2210 (Quirk) would allow temporary cannabis event licenses at places that serve alcohol (though not at the same time).
• AB 1326: Sponsored by Sen. Anna Caballero (D), the bill would set the stage to allow for interstate marijuana commerce from California to and from other legal states, contingent on an official assurance that the activity would not put the state at risk of federal enforcement action.
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California Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Rights of Workers Who Use Cannabis Off the Job

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The California legislature has passed a Cal NORML-sponsored bill, AB 2188 (Quirk), that would ban workplace discrimination due to drug tests for inactive metabolites of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The most commonly used drug test by employers, urine tests, can pick up a worker’s cannabis use days or weeks before they show up for work and have no correlation with on-the-job impairment. By contrast, oral swab tests, which are permitted for use in the bill, detect actual THC and are a better indicator of recent use.
The bill’s passage is the result of a multi-year effort by sponsor California NORML, the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. A bill carried by Asm. Mark Leno in 2008 to protect the workplace rights of medical marijuana users passed in the legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger. Asm. Rob Bonta carried two similar bills in 2018 (AB 2069) and 2019 (AB 2355), but they failed to pass through the legislature. Asm. Quirk introduced similar language as a two-year bill in 2021, in order to begin the process of reaching out to stakeholders and supporters.
Meanwhile, twenty-one states have passed laws protecting medical marijuana users against job discrimination, and six of those states (Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Montana and Rhode Island) plus several cities (New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, etc.) now also protect recreational cannabis users’ workplace rights.
This year, Cal NORML is joined by strong support for AB 2188 from unions on behalf of their members. It is supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), California Nurses Association, CA Board of Registered Nursing, and UDW/AFSCME Local 3930.
“California has always been a leader in the cannabis industry, and we must lead once again by prohibiting discrimination against people who consume cannabis when they are off-the-job,” said Amber Baur, executive director, United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council. “Using an outdated test to determine workplace impairment does not increase workplace safety—it only causes employees to feel unsafe and harassed at work. We’re proud to support AB 2188 because it’s time for the law to keep up with science.”
“Our members and the people we care for live in communities most likely to be discriminated against for the legal consumption of cannabis. This practice must end,” said Doug Moore, Executive Director, UDW/AFSCME 3930.
“Urine tests are a highly offensive invasion of workers’ personal bodily privacy,” said Cal NORML director Dale Gieringer.  “They are too frequently abused to discriminate against unpopular workers and minorities.  Workers should have the same right to use cannabis as to use other legal substances off the job.”
Other supporters include the California Employment Lawyers Association, Cannabis Equity Policy Council, Americans for Safe Access, Drug Policy Alliance, United Cannabis Business Association and California Cannabis Industry Association, and Origins Council, among others. The California Chamber of Commerce has removed the bill from its “job killer” list after amendments were taken in the Senate. The cities of Oakland and San Francisco have passed resolutions last year in favor of the measure.
Governor Newsom has until September 30 to sign the bill into law. Supporters can write a Letter to Gov. Newsom in Support of AB 2188. 

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Marijuana-Using Californians Could Win Employment Rights this Year

Vote in Legislature Set for August on AB 2188, Other Reform Bills
California has a chance to catch up with other states that protect employment rights for off-the-job cannabis consumers this year, with a California NORML–sponsored bill AB 2188 (Quirk).
The bill would disallow job discrimination based on urine or hair tests that detect only inactive metabolites of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and thus are able to pick up use days or weeks before a test. It would still allow the use of oral swab or computer-based performance tests that are a better indicator of recent use, or impairment.
AB 2188 would allow an employer to take action against employees who are impaired on the job, and has exemptions for federal workers and those in the construction industry. It is supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), California Nurses Association, CA Board of Registered Nursing, and UDW/AFSCME Local 3930. It is also supported by the California Employment Lawyers Association,  United Cannabis Business Association, Cannabis Equity Policy Council, Americans for Safe Access, and California Cannabis Industry Association, among others.
The bill has passed through the California Assembly and the Senate Judiciary and Labor committees, and has been assigned to the Appropriations suspense file. If it passes through at its August 11 committee hearing, it will move to the Senate floor for a vote. Please Write a Letter to Your State Senator in Support of AB 2188. 
The California Chamber of Commerce has removed the bill from its “job killer” list after amendments were taken in the Senate, necessitating the bill moving back to the Assembly for a concurrence vote, before heading to the Governor’s desk. All bills must be voted on in the legislature by the end of August.
“Cannabis is legal in California, and workers have a right to engage in legal activity while away from the job. Yet countless workers and job applicants are losing job opportunities or being fired because they test positive for legal, off-the-job use of marijuana on account of indiscriminate urine and hair metabolite tests,” said Cal NORML director Dale Gieringer. “Scientific studies have failed to show that urine testing is effective at preventing workplace accidents. Numerous studies have found that workers who test positive for metabolites have no higher risk of workplace accidents.”
“Ironically, under current drug testing rules, workers may use addictive opiates for medical use, but are forbidden to use medical cannabis, which has been shown to reduce opiate use,” Gieringer continued.
“Twenty-one states currently have laws protecting employment rights for medical cannabis users, and five states (Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Montana and Connecticut) plus several cities (New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Baltimore, Kansas City MO, Rochester NY and Richmond VA) protect recreational cannabis consumers’ employment rights,” added Cal NORML Deputy Director Ellen Komp. “California, a global leader in progressive causes, still has no protections for its workers who consume cannabis. It’s high time to change that and protect California’s workers.”
OTHER CANNABIS REFORM BILLS ALSO ADVANCE
Also passing on the floors of their respective houses are:

AB 1954 (Quirk), another Cal NORML-sponsored bill, which would protect the right of patients to medical treatment if they use marijuana, and the right of physicians and clinics to treat them. This bill has passed on the Assembly floor and in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development and Appropriations committees, and will be voted on in the Senate this month. Write a Letter to Your State Senator in Support of AB 1954. 
AB 1706 (Bonta), which would expedite expungement of past marijuana convictions in California. It has passed through the Assembly and the Senate Public Safety Committee, and is in the Senate Appropriations suspense file. Tell Your State Senator to Vote for AB 1706. 
SB 1186 (Wiener), to require all local governments to permit access to medicinal cannabis in either a licensed dispensary or via delivery, has passed on the Senate floor in the Assembly Business & Professions and Judiciary committees, where Cal NORML testified in favor of the bill. It is now in the Assembly Appropriations suspense file. Please Send a Letter to Your Assemblymember in Support of SB 1186. 

AB 2595 (Jones-Sawyer), which would require the State Department of Social Services to treat a parent’s use of cannabis in the same manner as alcohol or legally prescribed medication. It has passed through the Assembly and the Senate Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations committees and is up for a vote on the Senate floor. Write to Your State Senator in Support of AB 2595. 
SB 998(Hueso) to amend Ryan’s Law requiring health care facilities to allow cannabis use by terminally ill patients. It has passed through the Senate and the Assembly Health committees and Appropriations and heads for a vote on the Assembly floor. Write a Letter in Support of SB 998. 
A bill Cal NORML opposes, SB 1097, which would require costly, badly designed new label warnings on all cannabis products. It has passed in the Senate and the Assembly Business & Professions committee, is in the Assembly Appropriations suspense file. TELL YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TO VOTE AGAINST SB 1097.
AB 1885 (Kalra), allowing veterinarians to recommend cannabis products. It has passed through the Assembly and the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development committee and is in the Senate Appropriations suspense file. You can send a support letter on AB 1885 via https://petcannabis.org/
AB 2210 (Quirk – temporary cannabis event licenses). Has passed in the Assembly and the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development committee. Passed through Senate Governmental Organization and Appropriations committees; heading for vote on Senate floor.

The post Marijuana-Using Californians Could Win Employment Rights this Year appeared first on CaNorml.org.

Cal NORML Hosts Panels at 2022 State Fair

This year for the first time, the California State Fair will recognize and award cannabis cultivators.
Cal NORML will celebrate our 50th Anniversary at the Fair on Saturday, July 23 with two panels in the Cannabis Exhibit, where the winners will be celebrated and an interactive and immersive display will celebrate the history, culture, and pioneers of California cannabis.
Sponsored by Glass House Brands
4:00 – 4:45 PM
Sustainability, Equity and More
Efforts to bring environmental sustainability, organic standards, and equity to the cannabis industry in California.
Graham Farar, Glass House Brands – Sustainable cannabis cultivation
Khalil Ferguson, United CORE Alliance – Social Equity in Cannabis
Omar Figueroa, Esq. – Organic certification and appellations programs for cannabis cultivators
Sponsored by PAX
5:00 – 5:45 PM
The Past, Present and Future of Cannabis Reform in California
Starting 50 years ago with the founding of Cal NORML and the 1972 California Marijuana Initiative, this panel will give an overview of the journey for our rights and the challenges that remain for cannabis consumers and businesses.
Dale Gieringer, Cal NORML – 50 Years of cannabis activism in California
Ellen Komp, Cal NORML – Current campaigns for consumer rights
Lauren Mendelsohn, Esq. – Ongoing campaigns for equality in cannabis businesses
Tickets to attend the Fair start at $12 if purchased by July 14.
It will be held at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. Get directions.
The CA Cannabis Exhibit will be in Expo Center Building 1.
 
 
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Leading Issues in California Cannabis Law and Policy: Online Webinar on Thursday, August 25

On 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.
Proceeds will go to support Cal NORML’s efforts to promote cannabis access and protect the rights of cannabis consumers in California.
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW
Lauren Mendelsohn is a Senior Associate at The Law Offices at Omar Figueroa, one of the leading cannabis law firms in the California cannabis space. Lauren focuses on cannabis permitting and licensing, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, government affairs (including drafting local ordinances and citizen initiatives, lobbying decision-making bodies, and appearing for clients at administrative hearings), and post-conviction relief.
Hirsh Jain is the Founder of Ananda Strategy, a consultancy that serves many of California’s leading cannabis brands and retailers, helping guide their competitive licensing efforts, expansion strategy, regulatory compliance and M&A activity within California.
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW
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Want to Grow Cannabis? Start with a Plan

By Oaksterdam University
Cultivating cannabis is a rewarding hobby, which is why approximately 6% of consumers in the United States grow their own, and that number continues to rise. The overwhelming majority of home growers— 70% percent — say they grow simply because they enjoy it.
In addition to growing for pleasure, there are other reasons people start personal gardens. According to a recent survey by New Frontiers Data, home growers report that it’s more convenient, less expensive, and higher quality than purchasing cannabis at a dispensary. They also like to ensure their flower is free of pesticides.
Thirty-six percent say they grow cultivars they can’t find anywhere else, and 14% report that growing is their only option.
If you want to join the trend and grow your own, it’s essential to start with a plan.
Here are some things to consider to set yourself up for success:
Make a Budget: If saving money is your goal, calculate how much you currently spend on cannabis, then choose a garden design that works within your budget and helps you cut costs.
Growing outdoors is the cheapest option because you can plant directly in the soil and use the sun. Indoor gardens require a larger initial investment but will give you more control and is a better option for people who live in a cold climate or plan to do many cycles. If you’re just starting and have limited space, consider a grow tent that comes with lights, fans, and other necessary equipment.
Choose a Space:  If you plan to grow outdoors, observe possible locations throughout the day, and select the area that gets the most consistent sun. You’ll also need to make sure you can efficiently irrigate your garden and keep it safe from animals and pests.
Indoors, the primary consideration is size.
Privacy and odor mitigation are factors indoors and out, so consider how your garden will impact your family, neighbors, and guests.

Select Genetics: An exciting aspect of growing your own cannabis is that you can cultivate any variety you can get access to. Factors like location, light source, and schedule all come into play when choosing a variety. Ruderalis can be an excellent choice for outdoor gardens because it grows quickly and you can turn a lot of crops in mild climates. Indoors, you will want to avoid sativas because they grow too tall, while in a tent, you’ll want small plants that grow densely and finish quickly.
You’ll also have to decide between starting from seeds or clones. Beginners will likely have more success with clones because they are faster to start and guaranteed to be female. If you start from seeds, you’ll need to pay close attention to root out males before they pollinate females — and potentially neighbors’ nearby gardens.
Pick Your Medium: Many people think soil is associated with better quality, while others swear by hydroponics. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. Soil is free in your backyard, and bagged potting soil is inexpensive and readily available. However, it’s messy, and you won’t have as much control over the nutrient balance your plants receive. Hydroponics is cleaner, and you can experiment with nutrients to maximize your yields, but it requires more skill, knowledge and perhaps a more high-tech system to ensure your plants are getting what they need. As you plan, look into the various mediums available and decide what’s right for you.
Find a Friend: Everyone needs a source of quality information for cannabis cultivation. There are many online resources, but how will you know what is credible? It is helpful to have someone in real life to consult. Is there an experienced grower in your social circle who can help you achieve your goals? It might be an acquaintance or professional at your local hydroponics store. Many schools and colleges, like Oaksterdam University, offer classes taught by seasoned professionals who can help you avoid costly mistakes. Every Friday, Oaksterdam also hosts a free plant talk on Clubhouse, where cannabis horticulturists answer questions in real-time. Another great resource is the Cannabis Growers Handbook by Ed Rosenthal, Dr. Robert Flannery and Angela Bacca.
Growing cannabis can be extremely rewarding. Plants require lots of nurturing and troubleshooting, and it can be costly and time-consuming to grow your own. Careful planning can help avoid problems and set you up for success.
The post Want to Grow Cannabis? Start with a Plan appeared first on CaNorml.org.

Employment Rights, Pain Patients Rights, and Other Cannabis Bills Head for Floor Votes This Week in California Legislature

The Cal NORML-sponsored Employment Rights for cannabis users bill has passed through its committees in the California Assembly and will head to a floor vote this week. If you haven’t done so, please TELL YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TO VOTE YES ON AB 2188 FOR CANNABIS USERS’ EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS IN CALIFORNIA.
Also passing through their Appropriations committee hearings and heading to the floor are:
• AB 1954, another Cal NORML-sponsored bill, would protect the right of patients to medical treatment if they use marijuana, and the right of physicians and clinics to treat them. Many physicians are under the mistaken impression that they can’t prescribe pain medication to patients who test positive for cannabis. TELL YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TO VOTE FOR AB 1954.
• A bill Cal NORML opposes, SB 1097, which would require costly, badly designed new label warnings on all cannabis products. PLEASE TELL YOUR STATE SENATOR TO VOTE AGAINST SB 1097.
• SB 1281 (Bradford), the only proposed legislation that would eliminate the cannabis cultivation tax while also lowering the state excise tax. Gov. Newsom’s budget proposal to end the cultivation tax would raise the excise tax from 15% to 19% if cannabis tax revenues fall below $670 million. The budget must be approved by the legislature by June 15. TELL YOUR STATE SENATOR YOU SUPPORT SB 1281.
• AB 1706 (Bonta), which would expedite expungement of past marijuana convictions in California.
TELL YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TO VOTE FOR EXPEDITED CLEARING OF PAST MARIJUANA CONVICTIONS
• AB 2691 (Wood), to allow small cannabis farmers to sell their products as a limited number of events every year.
Support AB 2691 to Allow Temporary Retail Event Licenses to Small Cannabis Farmers
• AB 2595, which would require the State Department of Social Services to treat a parent’s use of cannabis in the same manner as alcohol or legally prescribed medication. TELL YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TO VOTE FOR AB 2595.
• AB 1885, allowing veterinarians to recommend cannabis products. You can send a support letter on AB 1885 via https://petcannabis.org/

Please support Cal NORML’s advocacy efforts in 2022! Click Here to Donate or here to join or renew your individual membership, or take advantage of our April business membership and banner ads specials below.

CAL NORML 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIALS (through 5/31).
Business Membership Special:
Join Cal NORML and grow your business
$450 for one-year business membership ($50 off)
Includes a listing on CaNORML.org and other multi-platform promotional benefits.
Banner Ad Special:
Increase your support and expand your presence on CaNORML.org
$50 off first two months of your banner ad on CaNORML.org — $100 savings
Reserve your targeted space by contacting kharla@canorml.org or 707-337-9747
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Primary Election Guide to Cannabis Candidates: June 2022

Here are Cal NORML’s recommendations for pro-cannabis candidates in key or contentious races for the June 7 Primary Election in California. Send any input about other races for this guide here.
Rob Bonta for Attorney General
Bonta has long been a strong friend and supporter of and reasonable voice for cannabis law reform. In 2015, he was one of the Assemblymembers who drafted a set of bills that licensed and regulated medical cannabis, and he repeatedly worked to lower taxes on cannabis in the legislature.  In 2018, Asm. Bonta authored Cal NORML’s employment rights for medical marijuana users bill, and introduced AB 1793, which passed into law, creating an automatic pathway for Californians to have criminal convictions for cannabis-related offenses removed or reduced from their records. As AG, Bonta has worked with county officials to expedite the expungement process and announced his office would conduct a six-month review of the interagency CAMP (Campaign Against Marijuana Planting) program in October 2021.
In the nonpartisan primary, Bonta is running against Republicans Eric Early, who is for gun rights and against critical race theory, and Nathan Hochman, an Assistant US Attorney who prosecuted “narcotics traffickers and violent gang members.” Candidate Daniel Kapelovitz of the Green Party also ran in the Newsom recall; Anne Marie Schubert, who is running as an Independent, is a former Republican who has been cozy with the police unions and opposed legalization.
 
Tom Lackey for re-election to Assembly District 34 (Apple Valley, California City, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Twentynine Palms and parts of Hesperia, Highland, Lancaster, Palmdale, Victorville)
Lackey, a Republican and former CHP officer, co-sponsored legislation to license medical cannabis businesses in 2015. While supportive of medical access, in 2016 he opposed Prop. 64 to legalize recreational marijuana. Nonetheless, he has posted a good voting record in recent years. He sponsored bills to foster cannabis research, and worked with reform advocates to turn his DUI bill into a CHP task force, on which Cal NORML sat.
In this newly drawn district, Lackey will face Thurston Smith, who this year introduced a pair of bills to criminally or civilly penalize cannabis gardens as small as seven plants, a move seen as grandstanding in a region where Republican congressmen are making similar bluster. However, his office seems to have heard Cal NORML’s objections and his bill AB 2728 has been softened somewhat, removing the seven-plant mention.

Dave Jones for State Senate District 8 (Richmond/Fairfield/Solano County)
Jones has been a strong supporter of cannabis reform since his days in the Assembly. As State Insurance Commissioner, he was one of the few public officials to endorse Prop 64.

Yesenia Sanchez for Alameda County Sheriff
In this anyone-but-Ahern race, Sanchez has the endorsement of the Brownie Mary Club of Alameda County, who tells us Sanchez understands and supports protecting cannabis businesses, saying they should have equal protection as other businesses, and is concerned about the nonaction of Oakland police during recent robberies. She has a focus on mental health, so that prison is not a continuous cycle as it is now. Sanchez has the endorsement of the East Bay Times, which opposes Ahern’s reelection. Ahern has been particularly obstructionist to cannabis businesses in Alameda county.
 

Rebecca Kaplan for Alameda District 3 Supervisor

Kaplan has been a leading advocate of cannabis reform measures during her tenure as an Oakland City Councilwoman and Vice Mayor, most recently sponsoring a resolution to support Cal NORML’s employment rights for cannabis users bill. Here election would create a cannabis-friendly majority on the Board of Supervisors.

Diana Becton for Contra Costa D.A.
Becton is a progressive who has been proactive on issuing expungements for past marijuana convictions in Contra Costa county. She calls criminal justice reform a leading priority and was endorsed by George Soros’ progressive Real Justice PAC in her last election.
 
Steven Vargas for Orange County District 4 Supervisor
As a Brea city councilman, Vargas opposed a ban on medical marijuana cultivation in 2016, but opposed deliveries, citing a potential for theft.

Lori Saldaña for San Diego City Council, District 2
Saldaña was a strong advocate for marijuana law reform during her time in the state Assembly. She posted a solid pro-reform voting record, and in 2007 she sponsored a bill that would have made it state policy not to cooperate with DEA raids. In 2008, she co-authored Mark Leno’s Industrial Hemp bill and his Employment Rights for Medical Marijuana Users bill, which passed in the Legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger.
 

Dave Myers for San Diego Sheriff
Myers has been openly critical of the county’s over-policing of the cannabis community. “I will enforce a sensible approach to marijuana that permits safe access over black-market options,” he said when he ran in 2018. “The Sheriff currently has only one full-time detective on opioid enforcement, but ten dedicated to marijuana enforcement. Have we ever seen an overdose death on marijuana?”
The post Primary Election Guide to Cannabis Candidates: June 2022 appeared first on CaNorml.org.

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