Governor signs budget with cannabis legislation

   On Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Governor Brown signed the state budget  that included the Medical and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act.

   More than two dozen lawmakers--with diverse backgrounds and representing both parties--contributed to the drafting and  development of SB 94 over the last eight months since the passage of the AUMA.

   The Brown administration spearheaded the creation of a unified system of rules for adult use and medical that would avoid duplicative costs--while lawmakers ensured that regulations will protect the environment, public health and safety while enabling small businesses to remain competitive.

   Covering a wide range of topics, amendments to the legislation included several priority pieces of legislation that were spearheaded  by Cal Growers, including tax reform, appellations and cannabis cooperatives.  The bill also permits farm to consumer sales and onsite consumption at agricultural events.

   Cal Growers also worked with various stakeholders to advance licenses for delivery services, ensuring safe cash payments, supporting organic standards and reinforcing robust environmental protections.

   Distribution remains mandatory--but is no longer required to be independent.  If you can afford a separate distribution license and have a permitted distribution facility you are now free to distribute your own products.

   "We were honored to be included in the process of developing and passing this comprehensive and robust legal framework. 

     The legislation reflects the culmination of a focused three-year effort to regulate commercial cannabis in CA and--after significant amendment--won broad support from our members, other industry groups, local government, law enforcement, labor and several other stakeholders.

   For the first time since 2015 it really feels like everyone is back on the same page.  This is a good sign as there is so much work left to do between now and January 1, 2018 and beyond.

    We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to implement this historic law," said Executive Director, Hezekiah Allen.

   The State of California will be merging its medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis regulations in 2018. 

   Go to California Growers Association for more information.