MJ Biz has the story..
California lawmakers have given final approval and sent to the governor a sweeping budget bill that makes several major changes to the state’s cannabis regulatory system, including a much-needed extension of the provisional licensing program.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the so-called “governor’s trailer bill,” Assembly Bill 141.
Despite the changes to the regulatory system, marijuana industry insiders said they fall short of what’s necessary to keep the sector stable.
That means lawmakers are expected to take marijuana reform back up in August after a monthlong summer recess that begins in mid-July, said Amy Jenkins, lobbyist for the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA).
Some of what the bill accomplishes:
- Consolidates the three current regulatory agencies – the Bureau of Cannabis Control, CalCannabis within the Department of Food and Agriculture as well as the Cannabis Manufacturing branch within the Department of Public Health – into a single agency, the new Department of Cannabis Control.
- Extends the life span of the provisional licensing program, allowing provisional permits to be renewed until Jan. 1, 2025.
- Allows for trade samples of marijuana products to be shared among businesses free of charge.
