Diagram depicting the process of CBDA, derived from cannabis, using affinity selection-MS to potentially block cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The image includes a chemical structure of CBDA, a cannabis leaf, and a representation of the COVID-causing virus. CA Norml

Does Cannabis Prevent COVID Infection?

  In news that was widely reported and joked about by Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, a preliminary study from Oregon State University found that cannabinoids in raw cannabis (CBGA, THCA, and CBDA) have strong affinities for binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Researchers used affinity selection–mass spectrometry (AS-MS), which “involves incubating a therapeutically important …

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Digital art depicting the year "2022" with the digits composed of connected, glowing lines and dots. Between the "2" and "22" is an illustration of a green cannabis leaf, reflecting California Cannabis Laws 2022. The background is a dark, starry sky. CA Norml

New California Cannabis Laws for 2022

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 …

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An individual is standing at a podium with the California state seal, delivering a speech. The text reads: "The California Blueprint. Cannabis tax reform. - Work with legislature on tax policy - Support legal businesses - Bring more local governments into legal market - $787 Million: Projected Revenue '22-'23." A sign language interpreter is shown in a smaller box on the right. CA Norml

Newsom Pledges to Work for Cannabis Tax Reform in State Budget Proposal

Gov. Newsom has released an ambitious preliminary 2022-2023 budget proposal with billions of dollars for education, behavioral and mental health, housing, climate change response, business development and other projects, along with a call for cannabis tax reform and more local retail outlets in the state. The budget proposal states: The Administration intends to further develop a grant …

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A diverse group of people attends an indoor conference on Cal NORML's 2021/2022 activities. They are seated facing a panel of speakers. A large screen displays a presentation. Some individuals are wearing masks. The room is well-lit with natural light streaming through large windows. CA Norml

CAL NORML 2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS FOR 2022

Read about Cal NORML’s 2021/2022 activities. We are working for your rights!  Please donate to Cal NORML to support our advocacy work, or join as a regular or business member: Cal NORML regular membership Business Membership with Free Listing $20.00 – $100.00 / year $50/month – $500/year   Cal NORML PRIORITIES FOR 2022 Pass employment …

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A man in a suit and tie speaks directly to the camera. He has short, graying hair and a neutral expression. Behind him are framed pictures and parts of two flags visible on either side of him, emphasizing his strong convictions on issues like California's recent marijuana legislation. CA Norml

AG Bonta Pledges DOJ Help to Clear Past Marijuana Convictions in California

UPDATE 9/22: Asm. Mia Bonta’s bill AB 1706 to expedite clearing of marijuana records in California has passed and was signed into law. Thanks to all who took action on this bill! California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued an information bulletin to all district attorneys, chief justices, and court executive officers across the state …

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Aerial view of a cityscape with a mix of historic and modern buildings, including a prominent tall brick building with a spire, set against a backdrop of leafy greenery and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. CA Norml

Freedom to Toke Coalition Fights Pot Smoking Ban in San Jose

In a victory for cannabis consumers, the San Jose City Council Neighborhood Services and Education Committee voted 5-0 on 12/9/2021 to exempt cannabis from a proposed Smoke-Free Housing Ordinance. The ordinance would have banned smoking and vaping of all kinds in multi-unit dwellings. California NORML joined forces with the Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance, MPP, ASA …

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A diverse group of 13 customers stands in a row against a white background. They vary in attire, with some dressed in business wear and others in casual clothing. Their expressions are mostly neutral or smiling, representing different ages and genders. CA Norml

If a Policy Took Over Half of Your Customers Away, What Would You Do About It?

November 22, 2021 – Results of an online survey of cannabis users that California NORML is conducting indicate: – 30% of respondents (with another 15% unsure) indicated they had been denied employment for testing positive for marijuana – 8% have been terminated because of a positive marijuana test – 65% are looking for a job and …

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A smiling person with short dark hair, dressed in a maroon blazer and light-colored shirt, poses for a photo outdoors. The background features a street scene with blurred trees, buildings, and people after attending an Oakland Public Safety Committee meeting. CA Norml

Oakland Public Safety Committee Votes to Prohibit Cannabis Metabolites Testing of City Employees

Oakland, CA — Today, November 9, 2021, the Oakland Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to forward the proposed ordinance introduced by Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan (pictured) and co-authored by Council President Fortunato Bas, Councilmember Kalb, and Pro Tem Thao, creating a Prohibition Against City Employees Cannabis Metabolites Testing. Currently, the city tests employees for cannabis …

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Two people are working inside a greenhouse. One, wearing a green "CDFA" jacket, has their back turned while inspecting plants. The other, wearing a cap and mask, stands on the right observing cannabis inspections. Various potted plants are visible in the background. CA Norml

The Cannabis Inspections are Coming

By: Attorney Lauren Vázquez High Rise Law, Founder & Principal For all the bad that came with the COVID pandemic, the cannabis industry has endured relatively well. There was a collective sigh of relief when California declared cannabis businesses to be essential early in lock down, something unimaginable just a few years ago. With the …

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