After a busy and dynamic first half of the 2021-22 Legislative Session, Governor Newsom signed a number of bills into law prior to the October 10th deadline, including:

• SB 166 (Committee on Budget) - Introduced over the Labor Day weekend, this last-minute clean up trailer bill makes a number of technical reforms to further address social equity in the cannabis industry. Specifically, this bill clarifies that all equity applicants may be issued a provisional license until June 30, 2023, and further establishes a state-level definition, so that all qualified equity applicants, as defined, may be considered for a state fee waiver or deferral, even if they are licensed in jurisdictions without a local equity program. This has been a major priority of CCIA and our Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Equity (DISE) Committee for years.
• SB 311 (Hueso) - Otherwise known as Ryan’s Law, this bill will allow terminally-ill patients to use medicinal cannabis products, subject to certain restrictions, in a palliative care facility. CCIA has been proud to support Ryan's Law since it's initial introduction in the form of 2019's SB 305, and applauds its signature by the Governor.
• AB 45 (Aguiar-Curry) - After a multi-year process of negotiations with various stakeholders, AB 45 establishes a comprehensive framework for the commercial manufacture and sale of hemp products in California. This bill passed the Assembly yesterday with strong bipartisan support, and will take effect immediately upon a signature from the governor.
• AB 1138 (Rubio) -  This CCIA-supported bill imposes a civil penalty of up to $30,000 on an individual who knowingly aids and abets unlicensed cannabis activity.
• AB 1222 (Chen) - This CCIA-supported bill authorizes cannabis beverages to be packaged in glass containers of any color, or transparent, so long as they otherwise follow all laws and regulations regarding packaging and labeling.

Unfortunately, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 1302 (Quirk),  which would have affirmed the industry’s ability to lawfully advertise on billboards along state highways, so long as they are not within 15 miles of a state border. CCIA worked tirelessly together with the bill author, Dr. Bill Quirk (Assemblymember, D-Hayward), and our coalition partners, which included the California State Outdoor Advertising Association, Eaze, and Weedmaps, to ensure this bill’s successful passage through the Legislature. We are deeply disappointed and perplexed with the governor’s decision to veto this important legislation, which will hinder one of the only pathways for cannabis operators to lawfully advertise their businesses.

With the Legislature adjourned for the interim recess, CCIA’s focus remains on the state’s newly-formed Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), engaging with leadership in the new department as they enter the regulatory rulemaking process. On September 20th, CCIA submitted public comments on behalf of our members in response to the DCC’s proposed emergency regulations, guided by direct input from our supply chain committees and Board of Directors. We look forward to continued engagement with the DCC throughout the Fall, advocating for a streamlined regulatory framework that promotes greater consumer access, public safety and business innovation.