A lively café with lush greenery hanging from the ceiling and walls. People are engaged in conversation, while others are seated at tables with food and drinks. The atmosphere is cozy and vibrant, mixing rustic décor and comfortable seating—a true haven reminiscent of a cannabis café bill envisioning community spaces. CA Norml

Cal NORML-Sponsored Cannabis Café Bill Becomes Law

There’s been much enthusiasm about the new law, which will take effect on January 1, 2025. It’s a good time for supporters to join Cal NORML and get involved with local NORML chapters​ to ensure that local governments will allow cannabis lounges. Cal NORML has been tracking cannabis lounges​ and hopes to see more open. …

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A diverse group of people stand in a lobby, some holding papers. At the center, a woman in a red pantsuit smiles. One person uses a wheelchair. The environment appears formal, with chandeliers and carpeted flooring, suggesting an official or celebratory event perhaps related to Compassion Programs. CA Norml

CANNABIS COMPASSION PROGRAMS AND TAXATION BILLS SIGNED, FARMER’S MARKET BILL VETOED BY GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR SIGNS CANNABIS COMPASSION BILL Governor Newsom has signed AB 2555, the cannabis compassion bill, as part of a package of bills supporting veterans in California. The high cost of medical cannabis, particularly its taxation, has made it impossible for many patients who are financially challenged to obtain a sufficient and steady supply of their …

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Payment Processing that Benefits You and Cal NORML

Learn how you can help sustain Cal NORML’s essential advocacy and lobbying efforts in the coming years, while providing a helpful needed service to your customers that will boost your sales. California NORML is excited to announce a new partnership with Banking and Merchant Specialist, Ian Rassman. This new collaboration will benefit our business members …

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A diverse group of 12 adults stand in a row, facing the camera. They are dressed in a variety of outfits ranging from casual to business attire. One woman is holding a cannabis leaf symbol on her shirt, representing Cal NORML's 2019 accomplishments. The background is plain white. CA Norml

Employers May Not Discriminate Against Californians Due to Off-the-Job or Past Cannabis Use Starting on January 1

Starting on January 1, 2024, most Californians are now protected by a Cal NORML-sponsored bill which states that employers may not refuse to hire, fire, or penalize an employee based on the results of hair or urine tests for marijuana. A second law disallows asking about past marijuana use by prospective employees.  Download a Fact …

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A large, diverse group of people posing for a photo in a conference room. A presentation screen behind them reads "California Citizen Lobby Day: Equal Rights, Fair Taxation, Sensible Regulation, May 4, 2023, Sacramento, CA." Everyone is smiling and celebrating the event and their 2023 accomplishments with Cal NORML. CA Norml

Cal NORML 2023 Accomplishments and Plans for 2024

PLEASE SUPPORT CAL NORML IN 2024 Now is the time to build on the progress we made in 2023! Please support Cal NORML with a membership donation. Click Here to Donate or see our Cal NORML store and purchase merchandise. Giving Tuesday / End of Year Special: Get a Free Gift with Your Cal NORML membership through 12/31/23. LEGISLATIVE GAINS …

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A cup of coffee sits on a white saucer atop a rustic wooden table. The frothy top of the coffee features a leaf design created with green powder, reminiscent of some cannabis lounges. In the background, there is a partially opened notebook and a black smartphone. CA Norml

Blowing Smoke About Cannabis Lounges: Onsite Consumption No Danger to Public Health

DOWNLOAD A FLYER ABOUT CANNABIS CONSUMPTION LOUNGES IN CALIFORNIA. See a List of Cannabis Consumption Lounges in California.  Also see: Cannabis Consumption Lounges: Mitigating Risks Information about opening and operating a consumption lounge from Cal NORML board member and attorney Lauren Mendelsohn. CANNABIS CONSUMPTION SPACES ARE NEEDED IN CALIFORNIA  While it’s legal for adults and medical …

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A document labeled "CRIMINAL RECORD" with the word "Expungement" written in red sits on a dark desk. Nearby are a pair of glasses, a closed book, and a judge's gavel. The scene signifies steps taken in California for clearing past marijuana crimes from individual records. CA Norml

Clearing of Past Marijuana Crimes Moves Forward Across California

UPDATES 2/11/2024: We would like to hear from people who have benefited—e.g. gotten a job or qualified for education or housing—because their marijuana criminal records have been expunged​. A journalist has contacted us who is trying to measure the impact expungement has had. Anonymity guaranteed if requested. Reply here.​ 10/4/2023: A new report from the …

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A diverse group of 12 adults posing for a photo against a white background. They are wearing various types of clothing, from casual to formal. One person is holding a cannabis leaf, sparking discussions about evolving policy. The group includes a mix of genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. CA Norml

Cannabis Consumers’ Employment Rights Won in California

View and Download this information as a Fact Sheet Download a Fact Sheet for Employers Starting on January 1, 2024, most Californians are protected by a Cal NORML-sponsored bill (AB 2188 – GC 12954) which states that employers may not refuse to hire, fire, or penalize an employee based on the results of hair or urine …

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