Ellen Komp

A construction worker wearing a yellow hard hat and vest sits on the ground holding his injured knee. Another worker in a yellow vest kneels beside him, offering assistance. Injured workers like him may be eligible for workers' compensation. A hard hat is placed on the ground nearby. CA Norml

CA DIVISION OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CONSIDERS BANNING MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR INJURED WORKERS  –  HEARINGS AND TESTIMONY DUE MARCH 14th

UPDATE: Read Cal NORML Director Dale Gieringer’s testimony to the DWC, and an appendix of studies on cannabis and pain. See Deputy Director Ellen Komp’s letter on ties between the ACOEM and the worker’s compensation insurance providers.  California is considering adopting enormously wrong-headed chronic pain treatment recommendations by the American College of Occupational and Environmental …

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A variety of vape pens, reminiscent of a study in contrasts, are displayed in a row on a table. They differ in size, shape, and color—some featuring buttons and digital displays. A blurred background with a plant is visible. CA Norml

Applications Sought for Cannabis Vape Pen Study

Interested vape companies are invited to sponsor their devices for a study of cannabis vape pen emissions by California NORML. The study will test a variety of vape devices and cartridges to determine how much cannabinoids and harmful smoke toxins they deliver. The study is intended to help provide better consumer information on the safety …

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A historic building with Greek revival architecture stands under a clear blue sky. The text "Sacramento City Council Approves Cannabis Consumption Lounge Pilot Program" is prominently displayed in green. CA Norml

Sacramento City Council Approves Pilot Cannabis Consumption Lounge Program

November 19, 2024 – Following a two-year process during which the Sacramento Office of Cannabis Management met with public officials and lounge owners across the state, surveyed interested parties, and took scientific testimony to develop a pilot ordinance allowing for cannabis consumption lounges in the city, the Sacramento city council today voted 5-4 to allow …

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Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA

Oakland City Council Exempts Cannabis from Residential Smoking Ban

In a victory for cannabis consumers, the Oakland City Council on Tuesday, November 12 voted to exempt cannabis from a proposed total ban on residential smoking and vaping in multi-unit dwellings, including condos. The vote was 6-0 with 2 abstentions. The cannabis exemption was strongly opposed by the state’s powerful anti-smoking lobby, richly funded by …

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Illustration of a person wearing headphones looking at a computer. Text reads: "Think you’ve experienced Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome? Researchers at UC Irvine want your anonymous feedback." Green button reads: "Start Survey." Learn more with the Fact Sheet from NORML. CA Norml

Nausea, Vomiting and Muscle Cramps from Too Much Weed? How to Avoid CHS (Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome)

NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, has published a Fact Sheet on CHS (Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome) , in the wake of reports of increasing prevelance of the condition. Researched and written by California NORML director Dale Gieringer, the Fact Sheet says that CHS typically occurs in subjects who chronically consume large doses of THC …

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Cover page of a CDPH report titled "REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HIGH POTENCY CANNABIS THINK TANK TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA," dated October 30, 2024. Features images of cannabis products with THC percentages and insights from the California Department of Public Health. CA Norml

CDPH Report Proposes Ban on High-Potency Cannabis Products

October 30, 2024 – A new report on high-potency cannabis by the California Department of Public Health raises important concerns for the cannabis community. The report blames high-potency products for a rising incidence of cannabis use disorder (habitual overuse), cannabis psychosis, hyperemesis syndrome, emergency room visits, and frequent use by youth under 21. The report …

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Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA

Oakland City Council To Consider Exempting Cannabis From Smoke-Free Ordinance on November 12

ACTION ALERT On Tuesday, November 12 the Oakland City Council will vote on a nonsmoking ordinance. The proposed ordinance would ban smoking or vaping of tobacco or cannabis at outdoor bars in the city, and also ban smoking/vaping in multiunit apartment dwellings with (as written) an exemption for cannabis. The Council will consider two options: …

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Cal NORML Candidate Endorsements – November 2024 Election

Cal NORML has compiled votings records of California legislators on cannabis bills in the 2023/24 session. Based on these, other past records, and responses to our candidate questionnaires, we have assigned candidates grades at the NORML Smoke the Vote Guide.  Below are candidates who, because of their past record and/or stance on cannabis reform, are …

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Cannabis Voting Records for California Legislators – 2023/24

Cal NORML has compiled the voting records of California’s legislators on key cannabis bills in 2023 and 2024, assigning grades based on weighted scores for their votes. Lawmakers with the worst voting records are in our “Hall of Shame” (designed in red); our “Honor Roll” (in green) is for legislators with the best records, and/or …

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