A white government building with a dome stands against a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. A cloud in the shape of a cannabis leaf is visible in the sky, symbolizing Medical Marijuana. The bottom text reads "California NORML" and the website "www.CaNORML.org". CA Norml

Medical Marijuana Regulation Bills Advance in CA Legislature

SACRAMENTO, April 21-22. – Two medical MJ regulation bills – SB 1262 by Sen. Lou Correa and AB 1894 by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano – passed their first committee hearings in the California legislature this week, heightening the likelihood that the legislature will finally pass some kind of comprehensive state legislation for the legal sales, production, …

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A group of about 20 people posing outside a building in Sacramento County. They are arranged in two rows, with some standing and others kneeling or sitting. Dressed in casual and business attire, they smile at the camera, seemingly unaffected by the outdoor grows ban currently in place. CA Norml

Sacramento County Votes to Ban Outdoor Grows, Will Work With Advocates Towards Indoor Regulations

The Sacramento Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to ban outdoor medical marijuana cultivation in unincorporated areas of the county, but chose not to ban indoor cultivation and rather work with advocates to develop an indoor ordinance. The move came after Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan introduced two ordinances to ban both outdoor and indoor cultivation of medical …

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A smiling man with short, light-colored hair, wearing a light gray suit, white shirt, and a patterned tie, stands outdoors in front of an out-of-focus background. He appears confident and ready to discuss the latest developments in the Assembly regarding the Ammiano Medical Marijuana Regulation Bill. CA Norml

Ammiano Medical Marijuana Regulation Bill Back in Assembly

UPDATE 4/22 – AB 1892 passed the Assembly Public Safety committee by a 5-2 vote. SACRAMENTO – Tom Ammiano has re-introduced his medical marijuana regulation bill under a new bill number, AB 1894. The new bill will be heard in the Assembly later this month, effectively replacing his other bill, AB 604, which had been …

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Breaking the Taboo on Drug War Debate in San Francisco

On March 25, the San Francisco Drug Policy Alliance sponsored a showing of “Breaking the Taboo,” a film about the War on Drugs produced by Richard Branson’s son Sam’s indie Sundog Pictures and Brazilian co-production partner Spray Filmes. Afterwards, a panel featuring Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco District …

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A group of seven judges, four standing and three seated, are posed in front of a wooden paneled background. The U.S. flag and a state flag are visible behind them. All judges, members of the Cal Supreme Court, are dressed in black judicial robes. CA Norml

Cal Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Case On Patient Cultivation Rights

UPDATE: This story was corrected on March 27 to reflect the news that the decision was not unanimous. According to the Court’s website, Justices Kennard, Werdegar and Liu thought the petition should be granted, and the four other justices disagreed. March 26, 2014: In a disappointing setback for Prop 215 patients’ rights, the CA Supreme …

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Two people holding signs protesting Senate Bill 289, which they claim criminalizes safe drivers. The man on the left is wearing a beige suit and tie, and the woman on the right is wearing sunglasses and a beige sweater. Trees and others are visible in the background of this 2013 Cal NORML news archive photo. CA Norml

Cal NORML News Archive 2013

CalNORML Vigilant for Our Rights Again in 2013 CalNORML’s year-end newsletter is in the mail to our members. Read about our 2013 accomplishments and activities and join us to support our efforts in 2014. Proposed Alameda and LA Bans on E-Cigs, Vaporizers Harmful to Marijuana Patients – Hearings in January December 12, 2013 – The …

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An image shows four potheads smiling with potted plants levitating above their heads. Each plant is tall with green leaves. The individuals include two men and two women against a white background, appearing cheerful and productive. CA Norml

Governor Brown: Who says ‘potheads’ aren’t productive?

March 7, 2014 – California NORML, the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, has launched an advertising campaign in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s pronouncement on “Meet the Press” that “potheads” are unable to compete in the modern workforce, and that therefore he does not favor marijuana legalization in …

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A man and a woman stand at a counter, handing over documents to a woman behind the desk in an office setting, possibly seeking outdoor cultivation rights in Shasta County. Another woman in the background is taking a photo with her phone. A staircase and some indoor plants are visible in the background. CA Norml

Shasta County Stands Up for Outdoor Cultivation Rights

This story was updated on March 3. Many others who were also involved in the campaign are probably still not credited. This story is meant to be inspirational to others who want to get active locally. Against all odds, the citizens of Shasta county have turned in an estimated 13,080 signatures on a referendum to …

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