California Senate Takes Step Forward in Cannabis Regulation
The Senate in California made a significant move on Tuesday by approving two groundbreaking cannabis initiatives. The move included the passing of Bill AB-1302, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, that garnered a 27-5 vote in favor of allowing marijuana sales at state-operated farmers markets. At the same time, a proposal by Assemblymember Matt Haney (AB-1506) which seeks to legalize cannabis cafes, received a substantial backing with a 30-7 vote.
A Potential Breakthrough for Small Growers
The bill proposed by Pellerin provides for the possibility of on-site cannabis consumption at authorized events. Nonetheless, this does not guarantee that smaller-scale growers can freely display their products at farmers markets, besides typical stalls selling fruit and vegetables. They can only do so after obtaining local and state law approvals that specify a designated cannabis area at such events. “As a farmer’s daughter, I understand the significance of having a direct relationship with customers, this will enable cannabis farmers to sell their products at authorized events,” stated Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman on the Senate’s floor. The bill is predicted to be returned to the Assembly for further modification to dovetail with Senate amendments.
Before a license can be issued, local jurisdictions have to consent to allow these events. The bill dictates that the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) will provide “a state temporary event license to an authorized individual allowing on-site cannabis sales and consumption for individuals 21 years of age or older at venues expressly approved by a local jurisdiction.”
Illuminating the Path for Cannabis Cafes
In a related development, Haney’s bill, which was passed, permits on-site cannabis consumption at licensed venues. These venues could also serve non-cannabis food and non-alcoholic drinks and accommodate live events such as concerts with the consent of local government. As a matter of public health for workers, the bill was amended to require separate public consumption areas and sections where food is stored or prepared.
For these premises, local jurisdictions must investigate suitable ventilation and filtration systems. The revised bill also allows the employees to use face masks without penalty, with the employers bearing the cost. In order to prevent loitering, the licensees will ensure necessary precautions are implemented.
Prior to the voting in the Senate, Senator Ben Allen highlighted the financial and operative hurdles companies confront under the prevailing law that permits on-site consumption lounges but prohibits the sale of food and beverages. The bill could be returned to the Assembly for modification.
The newly legalized bill explicitly indicates that non-cannabis items must be stored and featured separately from cannabis products, with food or drinks derived from hemp not classified as non-cannabis products. Local governments would also have the authority to permit these cafes, rather than endorsing a blanket legalization throughout the state.
Simultaneously, a state-funded project to examine the genetics of diverse marijuana strains is being carried out. This initiative will preserve the state’s history of cannabis cultivation and protect the future of historic growing regions such as the Emerald Triangle. However, a previous plan for radical reform in the state’s marijuana and hemp markets fell through after a Senate committee failed to muster a vote on the bill by a legislative deadline.