The bill would authorize more cannabis licenses in each jurisdiction
A bill has been presented to the California legislation that would bring cannabis to more consumer if passed. The bill, authored by Assemblyman Phil Ting from San Francisco, would require jurisdictions throughout the state to issue one cannabis license for every four onsite liquor consumption licenses, which include those provide to venues such as restaurants and bars.
The bill comes with a caveat, though. Proposition 64 from 2016, which legalized recreational marijuana in the state, would have to be considered, as the bill would only apply to those jurisdictions that saw at least 50% support for Prop 64.
Ting asserts, “Californians votes for Prop 64 to replace the illicit market with a legal system that would grant Californians safe access to cannabis products, while also creating good jobs and significant tax revenue. However, those goals can only be fully realized if enough licensees are granted to meet existing demands. This bill will ensure the legal market can succeed.”
Reginald Jones-Sawyer, who co-authored the bill, adds, “Many cities and counties are currently not providing this access to their medically challenged constituents, even when a majority of their constituents voted for Prop 64.”
The solution could help in more ways than one. It will obviously give greater access to those who need cannabis for medical purposes, but it can also help the state to overcome the black market cannabis industry. The bill is expected to be heard by the Assembly’s Business and Professions Committee on April 23.