Medical Marijuana Regulation Bill Passed in California

Nation's first medical Cannabis program to finally receive regulation

Assembly Bill 266, which was passed on June 4 after being merged with AB 34, will create a comprehensive structure of regulations for the state's medi-weed industry. The General Assembly, California State Senate, Americans for Safe Access, patients and providers will all work toward crafting changes to the bill that will keep patient safety and access a top priority.

Although California boasts the nation's original medical marijuana program, it lacks the regulation that other states have adopted after witnessing the legal hurdles endured by producers, providers and patients under Proposition 215.

Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), lead author of the bill, declared that, "AB 266 works to fix a system that has been broken for almost two decades. California was the first state in the nation to approve medical Cannabis with the passage of Prop 215 in 1996, but since then we as a state have stagnated, and it is time that the Legislature takes definitive action on this important issue." He continued, "As Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, I feel it is imperative that we create a viable framework for medical Cannabis that preserves our core priorities and provides strong patient protections and access to their medicine."

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is a pro-pot advocacy group that works around the nation to improve legislation and implementation. The organization has studied the relationship between local areas and dispensaries and promote the idea that regulating pot retailers not only protects patients but also improves relations between communities and dispensaries, in addition to reducing crime. Transparency and trust between legislators, local authorities and constituents is also key in maintaining a healthy balance between the needs of patients, retailers and residents while upholding the law.

Steph Sherer, Executive Director of ASA, says that, "AB 266 will help put aside industry issues that distract from the benefits that patients in California get from the medical Cannabis program." She elaborated, "While enthusiastically supporting AB 266, Americans for Safe Access is supporting amendments in the licensing structure to protect the historic diversity of the California's medical Cannabis industry and allow new players to join the increasingly mature and diverse Cannabis industry."