Several new cannabis laws are now in effect in California for 2022.
SB-311 (Hueso), aka “Ryan’s Law,” which requires certain hospitals and healthcare facilities to allow terminal patients to use medical cannabis, took effect on January 1, 2022. The law prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis, but does allow for the use of edibles, beverages, topicals, tinctures and capsules for patients with a doctor’s recommendation to use cannabis.
Our sister organization, Americans for Safe Access, has produced a guide to Ryan’s Law for patients and providers, and a form to log complaints. Cal NORML would also like to hear about healthcare facilities that are not following the law; write here.
Other laws that take effect in California this year:
• AB-45 (Aguiar-Curry) allowing for hemp-derived CBD products to be included in foods, beverages, and cosmetics has passed with last-minute amendments that removed a hemp cigarette ban only once they are taxed. Cal NORML is now advocating for a minimal tax on hemp cigarettes. The Department of Cannabis Control has a July 1 deadline to issue a report on how to allow for cannabis products to be sold in licensed cannabis shops.
• AB 1222 (Chen) authorizes cannabis beverages to be packaged in glass containers that are clear or any color.
• SB 544 (Laird) requires the Department of Cannabis Control, on or before January 1, 2023, to establish one or more standardized cannabinoids test methods to be used by all testing laboratories.
• SB-73 (Wiener) extends eligibility for probation to certain drug crimes, including some cannabis offenses.
• AB 1138 (Blanca Rubio) creates $30K fines for people engaging in commercial cannabis activity without a license.
Please donate to Cal NORML to support our advocacy work in 2022, or join as an individual or business member:
| Cal NORML regular membership | Business Membership with Free Listing |
| $20.00 – $100.00 / year | $50/month – $500/year |
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Cal NORML PRIORITIES FOR 2022
- Pass employment rights legislation to forbid pre-employment drug testing for marijuana using urine and hair tests.
- Reduce cannabis taxation, including eliminating the cannabis cultivation tax.
- Protect right to smoke and vape cannabis at home and expand venues for public consumption.
- Expand number of legal cannabis businesses by ending local licensing bans
- Protect medical access, prevent discrimination against Prop 215 patients, and lower taxes on medical products.
- Continue to back federal legalization bills.
- Publish 2022 election guide to candidates for office in California.Read more.
