The deadline for the Legislature to introduce new bills has
passed and it is a banner year for cannabis legislation. Over the
next several months CSAC will continue to keep counties apprised
as cannabis legislation moves through the legislative process.
For now, CSAC is seeking feedback on the following measures:
SB 1186 was amended with the intent of improving access to
medical cannabis, however, CSAC has serious concerns about the
preservation of local control. The language would prohibit local
jurisdictions from adopting any regulation that would prohibit or
impose “unreasonable restrictions” on the sale of medicinal
cannabis. Below are some of the other key provisions:
Local jurisdictions cannot “unreasonably restrict” the number
of medicinal cannabis businesses, the operating hours of said
businesses, the number or frequency of sales, or the
type/quantity of medicinal cannabis sold.
Local jurisdictions can limit medicinal cannabis sales to
either delivery only or storefront only.
CEQA requirements would be waived to allow for the repeal or
adoption of local ordinances that would result in the expansion
of the medical cannabis market in that jurisdiction.
While CSAC has not officially taken a position on this bill, the
language is deeply concerning. We would appreciate feedback on
the specific impacts this bill could have on counties.
AB 2691 (Wood) – Temporary Event License for Cannabis
Retail
AB 2691 would require the Department of Cannabis Control to issue
cultivator event retail licenses. Licensees that cultivate no
more than one acre of cannabis, could apply for up to 12 licenses
per calendar year which would allow them to sell cannabis for
specific, temporary events.
AB 2844 would authorize cannabis retailers to utilize curbside
pickup for sales in areas covered by the retailer’s video
surveillance system. Curbside pickup has been allowed as an
emergency regulation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill
would codify the emergency regulation.
