[FreedomGrower]

Hello --

Earlier this afternoon the State Senate passed SB 94, the cannabis budget trailer bill, with a vote of 31 to 7. This vote came a short while after the State Assembly passed the bill with a vote of 66 to 3. With these two votes, the trailer bill is out of the state legislature and is fast-tracked to become state law.

Now that the bill is passed, the Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) will govern California cannabis. This law will be the foundation of regulated cannabis activity in the state. This bill is the culmination of nearly three years of focused work--work that brought together stakeholders representing a broad spectrum of perspectives and required the investment of tens of thousands of hours.

I know I said it the other day when I emailed you, but it bears repeating: your continued support is what sustains our success. Thank you.

To help make sense of the MAUCRSA we are working with our local partners in Nevada County, Sonoma, Sierra County, Humboldt, Tuolumne, Mendocino, Calaveras, the SF - Oakland Bay Area and Los Angeles to bring you a series of no cost informational workshops.

Want us to come visit your community? Email info@cagrowers.org and we will work with you to get something on the calendar.

Also, I am pleased to confirm two important panels for our Summer Policy Summit on July 10. From 1:30 to 2:30 PM we will be joined by representatives from the Employment Development Department to discuss payroll taxes and reporting. From 3 to 4 PM we will be joined by representatives from the state water board who will discuss the progress that has been made on the statewide water quality order.

The event is free for members. You can join here if you would like to attend.

In addition, the board meeting will feature a report on the budget process, an update about this years legislation and an update on the regulatory process, and a presentation on the cultural significance of the word "marijuana." This conversation has become a focal point of the dialog at times and board member Miguel Gavilan Molina and others will offer a very valuable perspective. We will also host round-table discussions in partnership with the Cannabis Delivery Alliance and the Cannabis Distributors Association.

With so many important events coming up in July and August, now is a great time to become an event sponsor.

A $2500 "single event sponsorship" made before July 1st will get your farm, brand or company exposure in printed and digital materials at a half a dozen (likely more!) events throughout the state. There really isn't a better value if you want to reach growers, policy makers and community leaders. You can contribute here if you are ready to make moves--or email info@cagrowers.org if you would like more information.
I am looking forward to seeing you soon! Thanks again--without your support none of the success would be possible.

With love and gratitude,


Hezekiah D. Allen
https://www.calgrowersassociation.org/

[FreedomGrower]

There is a lot to digest here. I have not worked out the details, but here are some broad points about the bill. The hearing is underway now. The buzz in the building is that the changes are a "done deal."

· Requires probable cause to believe that the information on an identification card issued pursuant to a recommendation is false

· Allows for felony charges when cannabis activity results in the unlawful taking of fish or wildlife

· Defines a volatile solvent used for manufacturing cannabis products as “a solvent that is or produces a flammable gas or vapor that, when present in the air in sufficient quantities, will create explosive or ignitable mixtures”

· Repeals MCRSA and includes some of its provisions in a new law, which includes medical and adult use laws – Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA)

· Requires “separate and distinct” premises for multiple licenses

· Essentially harmonizes licenses types (e.g. cottage cultivator, micro-business, etc.) and cross-licensing restrictions between medical and adult using licenses

· Allows testing laboratories to test both medical and adult use cannabis with a single laboratory

· Requires that the protection of the public is the paramount in regulatory decisions (as opposed to patient or consumer safety)

· Eliminates Type 10-A Producing Dispensary and transporter licenses

· Gives the California Highway Patrol authority of vehicles used for transportation

· Requires opaque exit packaging at dispensaries

· Requires distributors to store batches of cannabis on-site during testing and to perform a quality assurance review regarding labeling, packaging, and other provisions

· Requires testing laboratory employees to obtain and transport samples

· Allows for selling untested cannabis and cannabis products for a period to the specified by the Bureau, so long as it is labeled as “untested”

· Repeals the residency requirement in AUMA

· Allows for special event and public consumption permits, at the Bureau’s discretion

· Changes the rules related to denial of applications and appeals

· Requires that some advertisements include the seller’s state license number

· Requires a universal symbol on all edible products

· Appropriates $3 million to the CHP for training drug use recognition experts

· Changes the way that the 15% excise tax imposed by AUMA is assessed – average market price vs. gross receipts of the retailer

· Requires cultivators to identify the source of the water they use

· Would limit issuing new unique identifying tags for plants in areas where the CDFA finds adverse impacts related to cultivation

· Prohibits the use of any pesticide that has been banned for use

· Makes changes in the program to establish appellations of origin for cannabis and cannabis products

· Creates a state program to certify organic cannabis and cannabis products

· Classifies information on a physician’s recommendation as “medical information,” under the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (applies to state agencies)

· Removes industrial hemp from regulation by the Bureau

· Exempts butter infused with cannabis from the Milk and Milk Products Act of 1947

· Authorizes three or more “natural persons” who hold Type 1 and 2 licenses to form a cooperative to cultivate, sell, or market cannabis or cannabis products

· Creates an “open container” infraction for having cannabis in a vehicle

[OregonBorn]

Open container? Geez.

[FreedomGrower]

When the governor passes this July 1rst everyone without a local commercial license will be immediately limited to 6 plants ...

[GNYC]

I've been trying to find as much information on extraction permits and such for california and I'm still a bit confused... I realize the only way they will let you do extractions is w/ a permit of varying levels such as 1-7(a/b) for extraction and infusion having to do w/ volatile solvents. Though the wording seems to get me jumbled when it comes to CO2 extractions. Is it my understanding you will only need inspections of facilities and equipment w/ CO2 rather than a CL BHO system because CO2 is non flammable and food grade quality w/o other solvents being used? if someone could help shed some light on this topic it'd be much appreciated!

[BakedBandit]

The whole system is way too expensive and confusing. And behind schedule.

[GNYC]

never mind I believe i figured it out after rereading another article. I would need a Type 6 license if I'm understanding this correct?

[DoobieDuck]

Guys I have to take a break from images today to share with you the text of a reply to me from my Representative Doug Lamalfa to a letter I sent him. Reefer madness still exists!

Dear Mr. Scheetz:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for ending the federal marijuana prohibition . I value your point of view and appreciate the opportunity to respond.

While I agree that efforts to limit illicit drug use have not been fully successful, I believe that the negatives of drug legalization, including marijuana, would be much worse. Studies indicate that the marijuana used today contains significantly greater cancer-causing properties than tobacco, can cause mental health issues, is addictive and creates harmful dependencies, is a frequent precursor to the use of more dangerous drugs, and can lead users to commit violent or otherwise irresponsible actions that harm innocent people.

Additionally, decriminalizing or legalizing drugs may lead to the creation of a permanent class of drug users who will find it increasingly impossible to support themselves, and thus will rely on the state for welfare, disability payments, or unemployment insurance. Their medical problems will increase, draining our already strained county hospitals and the health care programs. Thus, innocent taxpayers will be forced to subsidize the lethargic lifestyle of substance abusers. Preventing drug users from operating motor vehicles will also become an increasing problem as drug use becomes more tolerated and acceptable.

For these and other reasons, I oppose legalizing the use of marijuana. I believe the better approach is discouraging its use through a clear and honest discussion of the damage that the drug can cause. I believe parents, schools, churches, and community organizations are best positioned to encourage personal responsibility and convince younger Americans especially that marijuana use contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle. Additionally, I believe existing drug laws should be enforced to further discourage illicit drug use.

Although we may not see eye-to-eye, I will be sure to keep your perspective in mind should Congress consider legislation that would change laws governing marijuana use.

I appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance. If you would like to stay connected to our office with the latest news, legislation, and other useful information, please visit my website at https://lamalfa.house.gov . Thank you again for your communication, and please do not hesitate to contact my office with any future questions or comments. It is an honor to be your representative in Congress.

Sincerely,

Doug LaMalfa
Member of Congress

[BakedBandit]

What a well written ass

[Gry]

He defines the concept of shameless.