California Governor Gavin Newsom, D, signed 46 bills into law, including several cannabis reform bills, on October 5. Lawmakers expressed satisfaction in getting bills passed that reflect activists’ support of reform bills. They say they grateful for California taking the next step forward towards decriminalization and social equity.
AB 1222
The first bill, and the only one to originate in the General Assembly, is AB 1222. This bill focuses more on branding and packaging of cannabis infused drinks. It may not seem like a reform measure, but by clarifying cannabis infused beverages packaging, it sets a standard businesses and consumers can follow. This is now an additional way cannabis can be produced, sold, and consumed in California.
SB 73
Championed by Senator Scott Wiener, who has also been pushing for psychedelic reform, SB 73 will remove minimum jail sentences for non-violent drug crimes. The senator’s office spoke about the importance of SB 73 for non-violent drug crimes.
“Not only is mass incarceration bad for public health, it’s also a giant expense for California in a time when we face massive budget cuts and an economic recession due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdown. Mass incarceration costs our state unnecessary billions that should be going to priorities like schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.”
With sentencing discretion now given to judges in non-violent drug crimes, individuals can receive sentencing for probation or rehab instead of prison to serve a minimum sentence. Minimum sentences have now been removed and individuals won’t have to serve jail time for even a second possession offense if a judge says probation would be better.
SB 544
The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), which legalized recreational cannabis consumption and sales in 2016, is now requiring the Department of Cannabis Control to standardize one or more cannabinoid test methods in all testing labs on or before January 1, 2023 under SB 544. By having standardized testing, all THC levels will follow state standards. Consumers will know that no matter the product, it meets the state requirements and is safe to take.
SB 311
Though not signed on the same day as the other 46, SB 311 now allows hospitals to give medical cannabis for certain patients. This bill, also known as Ryan’s Law, came about following the death of Ryan Bartell. He suffered from stage 4 cancer and moved between hospitals looking for cannabis treatment. Previously, Ryan had been on several fentanyl and morphine pain meds.
Once Ryan received medical cannabis, his last few weeks were filled with happiness, according to Ryan’s father, Jim Bartell. Ryan was awake and able to communicate while taking medical cannabis. When he had been on pain meds, Ryan spent most of his days in a coma-like state.
Previously, hospitals were reluctant to offer medical cannabis. Cannabis is still controlled on what can and can’t be done under state and federal law. SB 311 legalizes the use of medical cannabis in hospitals for certain patients, such as cancer patients like Ryan Bartell. This could bring comfort to loved ones knowing they will still have time. The patient wouldn’t become tired or comatose during the last days of their life.
Future
With California leading the way regarding reform, other states may take up the issues listed above. Cannabis could become more accessible to citizens. There are several states with cannabis ballot measures for both this year and next year. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic related news.