California Governor Gavin Newsom Inks Ten New Cannabis Business Bills

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a slew of marijuana bills. Of the ten reportedly before him, he signed eight of them. The bills had to do with a range of issues, such as taxes, dispensaries, charitable donations, and more.

According to Sacbee, the tax deduction bill, also known as AB 37, would permit legal cannabis businesses to claim tax deductions from 2020 to 2024. Assembly member Reggie Jones-Sawyer shared with Cannabis Wire that high taxes on legal cannabis products are fueling a black market, and as a result, illegal products are becoming more affordable.

Another bill that made the cut is one that allows medical marijuana on school campuses, also known as AB 223. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jerry Hill, and it has been dubbed “Jojo’s Act.” Sacbee reports that the bill gives the state’s school district the option to allow parents to administer medical marijuana on the school campus.

In addition to these major bills, several others were signed. The bills signed include AB 420, which permits the University of San Diego to have a Center for Medical Cannabis Research and to also host a California Cannabis Research Program.

Another bill, AB 1291 involves an existing provision. This law requires business applicants that have 20 or more employees to conduct dealings concerning labor peace agreements.

As for SB 34, this bill permits marijuana ratilers to provide medical patients with free products. The patients must meet specific criteria to qualify.

Further, under SB 595, the state’s licensing authority will be able to provide deferrals or waivers concerning licensing, application, and renewal fees for businesses that show a need.

Other bills singed into law include AB 185 concerning prohibitions on marijuana advertising, and AB 858, concerning outdoor cultivation of cannabis.

There are two bills that were vetoed, which are AB 1085 and AB 305. The former deals with cannabis tax funds to school programs, and the latter with medical cannabis in healthcare facilities for terminally ill patients.