A man stands at a podium with a seal that says "Governor of the State of California." He is wearing a dark suit and tie, speaking into a microphone with his hands gesturing. Discussing statutory changes, the background is a blue curtain, and an American flag is partially visible on the side. CA Norml

Gov. Newsom Signs Order Extending Cannabis ID Card Tax Breaks

UPDATE 6/30/20 – The Governor has extended ID cards for another 60 days. The extension is contained in Paragraph 25 of Executive Order N-71-20. (Originally paragraph 5 in executive order N-65-20).   May 19, 2020 – The Governor has issued an executive order extending the expiration date of Medical Marijuana Identification Cards (MMIC) issued by county health …

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A group of people stand in line outdoors at a community event. Individuals at a table distribute bags and manage paperwork. The setting appears informal with picnic tables and trees in the background. Some attendees, including veterans, wear caps and sunglasses, while others are in casual clothing. CA Norml

Remembering Our Veterans on Memorial Day

UPDATE: May 31, 2021 – The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act has been reintroduced in Congress. MORE would allow veterans to obtain medical cannabis recommendations from their VA doctors in states that have an established medical cannabis program. Please contact your Representative and tell them to support its swift passage. May 25, 2020 …

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Storefront of "Smoke Tokes Inc." in Los Angeles, displaying signage for wholesalers and distributors. Windows feature various smoking products, cannabis items, and related paraphernalia. A white car is parked in front of the store, and a bicycle is visible to the right. CA Norml

Cannabis Not Culpable in Los Angeles Fire

THIS STORY WILL BE UPDATED AS IT DEVELOPS May 18, 2020 – The explosion and fire at the “Smoke Tokes” facility in downtown Los Angeles, resulting in injuries to several firefighters, did not happen at a facility that contained cannabis, nor did it have any license for manufacturing or distributing cannabis products, according to a …

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A person with long hair wearing a black t-shirt with the text "VOTE FOR MARIJUANA" printed on it holds open their plaid shirt to display the message. Against a backdrop of green foliage and sunlight, they emphasize support for CA Special Elections on May 12. CA Norml

How to Vote for Marijuana in CA’s May 12 Special Elections

Two special elections are being held on Tuesday, May 12, in Congressional District 25 (parts of LA and Ventura counties) and in State Senate District 28 (in Riverside county). Vying for the open Congressional seat left vacant by Rep. Katie Hill are Democrat Christy Smith and Republican Mike Garcia. Smith, a California Assemblywoman, has a …

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A large white building with columns and a dome sits under a bright blue sky in Sacramento. An image of a cloud shaped like a cannabis leaf is in the sky above the building. Text at the bottom reads, "California NORML" with a website link, "www.CaNORML.org. CA Norml

Cannabis Bills to Watch in Sacramento in 2020

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AS BILLS ARE AMENDED OR VOTED ON. UPDATE 5/8/2020 – On May 21, the Assembly Business & Professions Committee will hear three bills, each of which would enact $30,000/day state fines for operating unlicensed cannabis businesses, or allowing property to be used for one. They are: AB 3330 (O’Donnell) – …

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Several green, leafy medical cannabis plants are growing in small, individual plastic cups within a cardboard box. The box acts as a makeshift planter, with each plant spaced out evenly. The vibrant and healthy leaves indicate well-maintained growth, adhering to cultivation rights in El Dorado County. CA Norml

El Dorado County Protects Medical Cannabis Cultivation Rights for 2020

UPDATE May 5, 2020 – The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted today to approve an ordinance that limits cannabis cultivation to six plants per parcel, but exempts for 2020 existing personal medical gardens that have been planted under the old ordinance allowing 200, 400 or 600 square feet, depending on parcel size. The …

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4/20" written with text filled with green cannabis leaves pattern on a black background, celebrating the community spirit fostered by Cal NORML's memberships and events. CA Norml

How To Safely Celebrate 4/20

  4/20/20 – Thanks to all who took our advice to #FlattenThe420Curve and stocked up in advance for 420 celebrations this year, instead of crowding retailers on 4/20. There are lots of opportunities to celebrate online that support reform groups and/or COVID charities.   Don’t Go to Hippie Hill This Year (or Gather Anywhere Else) …

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shauna blackburn

Advice on Protecting Yourself During COVID-19 Crisis From an Insurance Provider

Shauna Blackburn, Risk Manager specialist at Cannabis Connect Insurance Services gives advice in this video about reducing risk and protecting yourself and your business during COVID-19. Topics include: • Safe money handling techniques • Holding safety meetings • Workers’ Compensation and EPLI insurance • Masks and Gloves; Hand Sanitizer • Sanitizing work stations • Building …

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The Golden Gate Bridge spans across the blue waters, with the San Francisco skyline in the background. Yellow flowers bloom in the foreground, adding a vibrant contrast to this essential California scene. The sky is clear and blue. CA Norml

Cannabis Businesses Deemed “Essential” in California During COVID-19 Orders

Photo: Noah Friedlander / CC BY-SA READ A MESSAGE FROM NORML’S NATIONAL DIRECTOR ABOUT COVID-19, CANNABIS AND SAFETY THIS STORY WILL BE UPDATED AS DEVELOPMENTS HAPPEN. UPDATE 3/23/20: MONTEREY COUNTY AND AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS ENDORSE ADVISORY FOR AGRICULTURAL WORKER PROTECTION DURING COVID-19 CRISIS 3/21/20: California’s Dept. of Public Health has issued an order deeming cannabis retailer …

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