Legalizing the possession of marijuana; medical marijuana; regulating the production, processing, and sale of marijuana; expunging or redesignating past convictions for marijuana-related crimes; equity grants; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)
Impact
The introduction of AB506 seeks to amend current state laws regarding marijuana, providing a significant shift towards legalization. It establishes a framework for regulating the production and sale of marijuana through permits issued by the Department of Revenue and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Additionally, the bill introduces an excise tax on marijuana sales, with a significant portion of revenue directed towards equity initiatives and community reinvestment efforts. This funding aims to promote inclusivity and support marginalized communities affected by previous marijuana laws.
Summary
Assembly Bill 506 aims to legalize the possession and limited use of marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes in the state. The bill stipulates that individuals aged 21 and over may legally possess up to five ounces of marijuana, while individuals of any age can possess marijuana for medical use if diagnosed with eligible conditions. It allows individuals to cultivate up to six marijuana plants without a permit, although stricter regulations apply for commercial purposes, including permit requirements for production and distribution.
Contention
Notably, the bill has faced opposition on several fronts. Critics express concerns regarding the social implications of legalization, particularly related to public health and safety. There is also contention regarding the bill's approach to employment discrimination, as it prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against employees based on lawful off-duty marijuana use. Furthermore, requirements for obtaining permits have raised concerns among potential business operators, particularly regarding the labor peace agreements mandated for larger businesses, which could be seen as a barrier to entry.
Legalizing the possession of marijuana; medical marijuana; regulating the production, processing, and sale of marijuana; expunging or redesignating past convictions for marijuana-related crimes; equity grants; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)
A bill for an act relating to marijuana, including the manufacture, delivery, and possession of marijuana and the licensure of retail marijuana, providing fees, including excise taxes, establishing funds, and including penalties.
Legalizing the possession of marijuana; medical marijuana; regulating the production, processing, and sale of marijuana; expunging or redesignating past convictions for marijuana-related crimes; equity grants; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)
Providing for adult use cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical marijuana; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense; and making repeals.
Providing for adult use cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical marijuana; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense; and making repeals.
An Act Concerning The Legalization, Taxation And Regulation Of The Retail Sale And Recreational Use Of Marijuana And Concerning The Production And Regulation Of Hemp.