A critical phase of the cannabis legalization process has begun since the Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation (BMCR) announced that its proposed licensing regulations for medical cannabis were posted April 28, and the 45-day public comment period is now underway.
Among its controversial provisions is a requirement that retailers track quantities of cannabis sold to individual patients, which could create a trail for later federal prosecution, should US Attorney General Jeff Sessions decide to go after medical marijuana nationally.
The future of cannabis access, both medical and non-medical, will be deeply affected by these new rules, so people are advised to read them carefully and give feedback on improvements.
BMCR director seeking input
“The proposed licensing regulations for medical cannabis are the result of countless hours of research, stakeholder outreach, informational sessions and pre-regulatory meetings all across the state,” BMCR Chief Lori Ajax said. “And while we have done quite a bit of work and heard from thousands of people, there is still so much more to do. In order to make our program successful we still need your feedback.”
Individuals interested in reviewing the medical regulations for licensing dispensaries, distribution and transporters can do so by visiting the new Cannabis Web Portal, www.cannabis.ca.gov. Also at this site are cultivation regulations and manufacturing regulations for medical cannabis.
Four public hearings slated for comment
The agency announced four public hearings for the purpose of public comment on the proposed medical licensing regulations. The Bureau encourages all interested stakeholders to review the proposed regulations and come to a hearing near you to provide feedback. Hearing dates and locations are as follows:
June 1, 2017
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Adorni Center
1011 Waterfront Drive, Eureka, CA 95501
June 8, 2017
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Junipero Serra Building
320 W. Fourth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
June 9, 2017
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Department of Consumer Affairs, Hearing Room, S-102
1625 North Market Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95834
June 13, 2017
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
King Library, Second Floor
150 E. San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Those who wish to provide feedback and are unable to attend one of the four listed sessions above, can get involved in the regulatory process by following the steps outlined online.
New bill may require further changes
There is currently budget trailer bill language proposed by Governor Jerry Brown that is designed to align the Medical Cannabis Safety and Regulation Act with Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. If that bill passes, the bureau will withdraw these proposed regulations and propose a new set of regulations consistent with changes in the law.
However, public comments on the proposed regulations are still very important.
“Many of the provisions in the licensing regulations published today will carry over to new regulations if the trailer bill passes,” said Chief Ajax. “Public comment now will provide valuable information and guide our efforts when crafting any new regulations.”
Continuation of regulatory process
Beginning a little more than a year ago, the Bureau kicked off its outreach efforts with nine informational sessions in locations all around the state.
For additional information about BMCR, or to subscribe to email alerts to hear about updates as they become available, please visit their website.
California NORML has been tracking and commenting on these proposals.
In addition, people can now follow the Bureau on Facebook or Twitter or contact the Bureau by email at bmcr@dca.ca.gov.
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Hearings have also been set for the cultivation and manufacturing regulations. Testing lab regs expected tomorrow.