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A woman triumphantly waves a "California Republic" flag and carries an armful of freshly-harvested marijuana plants. She is depicted against a yellow sky with billowing clouds at sunrise. Text in the scroll at the bottom reads, "Sow the seeds of Victory!" Cal NORML.

Cal NORML Election Guide 2026


A woman waving a "California Republic" flag carries an armful of marijuana plants. She is depicted against a yellow sunlit background. Text at the bottom reads, "Sow the seeds of Victory!" Cal NORML.

Cal NORML Voter Guide to Cannabis Candidates

November 2026 Election

Artwork: Ruth Anne

UPDATED: 9/8/26. We will continue to update as we gather more information about candidates. 

Registered to Vote? Visit https://registertovote.ca.gov/.
The last day to register to vote online for November 3 General Election is October 19.

County elections officials will begin mailing ballots by October 5.

Quick Links: EXECUTIVE / CONGRESS / STATE SENATE / STATE ASSEMBLY / LOCAL

Pro-reform candidates’ names are in green; Anti-reform in red; Neutral in black.…

Area chart titled "Marijuana Arrests by Race 2015-2024" shows cannabis crimes in California, with arrests for White (blue), Black (orange), and Hispanic (gray) individuals declining—though disproportionate arrests persist, especially for Hispanic individuals. Ca NORML

Blacks and Latinos Disproportionately Arrested for Cannabis Crimes in California

Stacked area chart titled "Marijuana Arrests by Race 2015-2025" shows declining cannabis crimes for Whites (blue), Blacks (orange), and Latinos (gray), with all groups experiencing significant decreases over time. Ca NORML

Although the number of people arrested for cannabis crimes in California has dramatically declined since the voters legalized adult use and sales of cannabis in 2016, people of Latino descent are more than twice as likely as Whites to be arrested for cannabis crimes in California, and Blacks are more than five times more likely. These racial disparities have worsened since legalization.

According to the 2025 Crime in California report released by California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta on July 1, the felony marijuana arrest rate decreased 13.3% in 2025 (440 in 2024 to 399 in 2025).…

A grand, white, neoclassical government building stands under a clear blue sky with some clouds. Unusually, a large cloud shaped like a cannabis leaf floats prominently in the sky above the California Legislature. Trees and greenery surround the building. CA Norml

2026 California Cannabis Legislation: What Bills Cal NORML is Tracking and Acting On

A grand, white, neoclassical government building stands under a clear blue sky with some clouds. Unusually, a large cloud shaped like a cannabis leaf floats prominently in the sky above the California Legislature. Trees and greenery surround the building. CA Norml

LAST UPDATED 9/1/2026

SIGNED INTO LAW

AB-2249 (Irwin) Cannabis: labels, packaging and manufacturing. Signed by the Governor after extensive amendments in the Senate.

 

BILLS PASSED BY LEGISLATURE; MUST BE SIGNED (OR VETOED) BY THE GOVERNOR BY 9/30:

AB 1965 (Sharp-Collins) Cannabis: testing: quality assurance. On Governor’s desk. Cal NORML has sent a letter in support of this bill.

AB-2532 (Irwin) Cannabis: labels, packaging and manufacturing (beverages). Passed Assembly concurrence by 74-0, with Asms. Bauer-Kahan, Gipson, Haney, Lee, and McKinnor not voting.…

A person stands at a fork in the road, facing a choice between a path lined with prescription pill bottles and another lined with cannabis leaves, highlighting the impact of cannabis policy debates under a blue sky with clouds. Ca NORML

Have You Been Discriminated Against by A Kaiser Doctor for Using Cannabis? Join Cal NORML’s Action Demanding Kaiser Change Its Policy.

 

A person stands at a fork in the road, facing a choice between a path lined with prescription pill bottles and another lined with cannabis leaves, highlighting the impact of cannabis policy debates under a blue sky with clouds. Ca NORML

UPDATE 6/25/2026 – KPFA radio in Berkeley ran a story on June 24 (at 33:20 in the broadcast) about Cal NORML’s action against Kaiser Healthcare over their discriminatory practices against medical marijuana patients. A Kaiser spokesperson claimed their doctors are making case-by-case decisions on providing healthcare. However, Cal NORML deputy director Ellen Komp was quoted saying patients are reporting that Kaiser doctors tell them their hands are tied by company policy when it comes to treating them. Kaiser patient Victor Pinho, who has been denied ADD medication at Kaiser, was also quoted, confirmed that his doctors have told him that Kaiser policy interferes with their prescribing options.…

A poster celebrating 50 years of cannabis reform and progress by California NORML, featuring achievements like decriminalization, medical marijuana, related images, a QR code, and a photo of the iconic "HOLLYWEED" sign. CA Norml

50 Years of Progress in Cannabis Reform, Brought to You by Cal NORML

Since 1972, Cal NORML has advocated for the rights of cannabis users in California, using sound science, public education, grass roots organizing and effective lobbying to pass better laws and fight against bad ones. Along with putting out election guides, newsletters, state and local legislative action alerts, and other information for cannabis consumers, as well as planning Lobby Days and educational events. Below are high-lights of our accomplishments over the decades.

Join us as we march forward to greater awareness and sensible reforms that benefit both consumers and the legal cannabis industry.

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A green card with a chip, showcasing "Support Cal NORML with Each Tap!" and "CAL NORML SUPPORTER." Card number 1234 5678 9987 6087, expires on 04/20. Curved white lines add flair to the background—experience smooth payment processing and support causes that benefit you. CA Norml

Payment Processing that Benefits You and Cal NORML

Support Cal NORML with each Tap

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 of Rassman Payments. This new collaboration will benefit our business members while generating essential funds for Cal NORML with each tap of your customers’ payment cards.

You’ll enjoy all applicable processing services at extremely competitive rates alongside personalized service from a team that understands the cannabis industry.…

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

A diverse group of people standing in business attire against a green background with text that reads: "Know Your Employment Rights As A Cannabis Consumer in California. New protections against urine and hair testing start 1/1/2024." Logo and URL for California NORML. CA Norml

Starting on January 1, 2024, most Californians are 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 Sheet for Employees

Download a Fact Sheet for Employers

The new law (AB 2188 – GC 12954) prohibits employers from discriminating against a person who has tested positive for non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites in their urine, hair, or bodily fluids.…

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.

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

LEGISLATIVE GAINS

Once again this year, Cal NORML and its supporters actively lobbied on 40-50 bills affecting California cannabis consumers and the industry.…

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

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

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 patients to possess and grow marijuana in California, using it can be a problem.  Unlike tobacco or alcohol, cannabis is illegal to consume in any public place – even in edible form. …

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

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

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 Last Prisoner Project gives A grades to only two states, California and Minnesota, judging from their legalization laws and resentencing policies on past marijuana crimes.…

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

A diverse group of people standing and smiling at the camera, dressed in various business casual and formal attire. One person in the center holds a large leaf, symbolizing the Cal NORML initiative. The plain white background emphasizes each individual in this Employment Rights Campaign photo. CA Norml

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 tests for marijuana. Employees may not be impaired by cannabis on the job, and may be subject to an oral swab or blood test.…

A dropper with yellow liquid is held over an open bottle labeled "THC-O Acetate" with a chemical structure in the background. The image, featuring a green leafy backdrop, suggests a natural or plant-based product. CA Norml

Cal NORML Safety Warning: THC-O Acetate and Psychoactive Hemp Products 

A dropper with yellow liquid is held over an open bottle labeled "THC-O Acetate" with a chemical structure in the background. The image, featuring a green leafy backdrop, suggests a natural or plant-based product. CA Norml

UPDATE 2/15/23:

DEA Classifies Novel Cannabinoids Delta-8 And -9 THCO As Controlled Substances, Even When Synthesized From Legal Hemp

 NORML has always warned that delta-9-THCO is illegal under the Synthetic Analogues Act.  This DEA decision also applies to delta-8-THCO, which shouldn’t be confused with the more popular delta-8 THC.

A new study by Benowitz et al. [1] raises safety concerns about THC-O acetate, a potent psychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp that is being marketed on the internet and unlicensed stores. The authors warn that THC-O acetate could potentially cause EVALI lung disease when vaped or smoked.…

A bus stop advertisement shows large text reading, "ALL SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HARMFUL," with "HARMFUL" in red. Below, smaller text lists "Vape Hazards, Marijuana, Cigarillos, Hookah, Cigarettes." The background features smoke, and the website "SecondhandDangers.org" appears at the bottom. CA Norml

CA DPH Misrepresents Cannabis Smoke & Vape Hazards Using Anti-Tobacco Funds

UPDATE 5/23 – States That Legalize Marijuana See Reduced Tobacco Use, Study Finds

A bus stop advertisement shows large text reading, "ALL SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HARMFUL," with "HARMFUL" in red. Below, smaller text lists "Vape Hazards, Marijuana, Cigarillos, Hookah, Cigarettes." The background features smoke, and the website "SecondhandDangers.org" appears at the bottom. CA Norml

The California Department of Public Health has undertaken a busboard campaign claiming that marijuana and vapes produce similar second-hand smoking dangers as tobacco. The ads reference a TobaccoFreeCA webpage  (now taken down) warning that secondhand marijuana smoke is cancer-causing and harmful to the brain, lungs, and heart. A subpage titled, “Exposure to Secondhand Smoke from Marijuana is Dangerous,” is dated June 19, 2020 (also now taken down; links are archived).

…
Two individuals stand behind a booth with a table covered by a cloth displaying "Cal NORML." The table is adorned with pamphlets, brochures, and other literature about marijuana legalization, including 2022 accomplishments and plans for 2023. The background features lattice panels with hanging T-shirts and banners. CA Norml

Cal NORML’s 2022 Accomplishments and Plans for 2023

PLEASE SUPPORT CAL NORML IN 2023

Now is the time to build on the progress we made in 2022! Please support Cal NORML with a membership donation. Click Here to Donate or see our Cal NORML store and purchase merchandise.

A group of around 40 people pose together in a conference room. They are gathered in front of a screen displaying "California Citizen Lobby Day," with a subtitle about equality and fairness. Most are smiling, some wear name tags, and the mood appears positive and collaborative as they discuss 2022 accomplishments and plans for 2023 with Cal NORML. CA Norml

It was a banner year for cannabis reform measures in 2022, in no small part due to the efforts of California NORML and our supporters.

LEGISLATIVE GAINS

Cal NORML lead a successful legislative effort to protect the employment rights of California’s cannabis consumers, along with a second bill to protect medical marijuana patients against discrimination by their doctors.…

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
Illustration of a white dove in flight against a yellow background. The bird carries a green branch in its beak, symbolizing peace. The wings are spread wide, showing detailed feathering, embodying our mission for harmony and unity. CA Norml A white dove carrying a green olive branch in its beak is depicted against a brown background, symbolizing peace and hope, reminiscent of the support provided in hospice care. Its wings are spread wide, and the detailed illustration highlights the intricate feathers and tranquil expression of the bird. CA Norml

 

Cal NORML PRIORITIES FOR 2022

  • Pass employment rights legislation to forbid pre-employment drug testing for marijuana using urine and hair tests.
  • Pass legislation to end discrimination against pain patients who are denied medication for using cannabis.
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A straight road stretches into a bright light, with "2021" and a forward-pointing arrow painted on it. On the right, a yellow road sign with the word "ADVOCACY" stands near dense green foliage under a partly cloudy California sky. CA Norml

Cal NORML 2020 Accomplishments and Plans for 2021

A pin celebrating California NORML's 2020 accomplishments, featuring the text "Cal NORML," with the "O" stylized as a cannabis leaf. The text is in green on a gold background. The pin has a shiny, metallic appearance. CA NormlPlease support Cal NORML with a 2021 membership!
As a special offer, some 2021 members will receive a vintage gold “California NORML” lapel magnet (pictured) to celebrate NORML’s 50th anniversary.

When 2020 began, dozens of bills addressing cannabis were introduced in Sacramento, including a Cal NORML–sponsored bill to protect employment rights of medical marijuana users, and another bill we endorsed to lower taxes on cannabis, plus a bill to help with the persistent roadblock of local licensing.

A group of people are seated in a meeting room, facing a panel of officials discussing cannabis licensing. Multiple screens display maps, and a rainbow flag is hung on the wall. One attendee holds a yellow sign saying "LET BERKELEY BE BERKELEY. CA NormlAt the end of January, we testified before Berkeley City Council at a pair of contentious meetings that pitted activists in favor of opening a vape lounge in Berkeley against anti-tobacco forces that tried to argue second-hand marijuana smoke is harmful.…

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

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

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 good voting record on cannabis reform measures. Last year, she voted in favor of laws to enable tax-free donations for compassion programs, to  allow medicinal cannabis to be administered at school sites and healthcare facilities.…

Three people stand in a row, smiling. The man in the center, wearing glasses and a suit, holds a plaque. The man on the left has glasses, a beard, and wears a suit with a red tie. The woman on the right wears a dark jacket. A beige curtain is in the background. CA Norml

Cal NORML’s 2019 Accomplishments and Plans for 2020

Graphic featuring a golden '50th Anniversary' banner with sunburst rays in the background. Below, the text 'Cal NORML' is written in uppercase letters, with the 'O' depicted as a cannabis leaf. The design is framed by a thin black border, celebrating past accomplishments and plans for 2020. CA NormlNORML will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2020!

Cal NORML keeps our members informed of cannabis news at the federal, state, and local levels through our newsletter, website, and weekly email alerts, as well as public outreach tables at events. Through NORML’s networks we generate thousands of constituent letters in favor of progressive bills, and against ones that take away our rights.

Now is not the time to stop the fight! Please support Cal NORML with a membership donation. Click Here to Donate or see our Cal NORML store and purchase merchandise.…

A bronze statue of Lady Justice, holding scales and a sword, stands in front of a green background. A wooden judge's gavel and sound block are placed beside the statue, symbolizing law and justice. The scene commemorates the Legal Seminar held in June 2021 by California NORML. CA Norml

States with Laws Protecting Patients’ Medical Rights

Arizona
For the purposes of medical care, including organ transplants, a registered qualifying patient’s authorized use of marijuana must be considered the equivalent of the use of any other medication under the direction of a physician and does not constitute the use of an illicit substance or otherwise disqualify a registered qualifying patient from medical care. (36-2813(1)(C).

Arkansas
For the purposes of medical care, including without limitation organ transplants, a qualifying patients use of marijuana in accordance with this amendment is considered the equivalent of the authorized use of any medication used at the direction of a physician and does not constitute the use of an illicit substance.…

CANORML Lobby Day

Cal NORML’s 2018 Accomplishments and Plans for 2019

PLEASE JOIN CAL NORML OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
TO HELP US CONTINUE OUR WORK IN 2019.

As California enters new territory with the opening of adult-use sales this year, Cal NORML continues its fight to secure consumers’ rights to use cannabis freely, legally, and affordably. We are glad to have made some progress with the state’s lawmakers and regulators this year, but much work remains to be done.

While the year got off to a bang with the first legal sales on January 1, 2018, progress has been rocky, fraught with glitches and bottlenecks, costly new taxes and regulations, and a persistent shortage of legal outlets in many parts of the state.…