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California Bill Would Protect Party Bus Drivers from Second-Hand Cannabis Smoke

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[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]C[/dropcap]alifornia is one step closer to passing a bill that would prohibit passengers from cannabis consumption unless the driver is in a sealed, ventilated area.

Senate Bill 625, introduced by State Sen. Jerry Hill, would require vehicles such as limousines, party buses and taxis that allow cannabis use to provide the drivers with a sealed and separate space to protect from the potential health risks and a possible high from the secondhand smoke.

It’s illegal for a passenger or driver of a vehicle to consume cannabis while traveling on a state highway, but California law allows an exemption for passengers on party buses, taxis and limos, which Hill described as a “loophole” and something he intends to close.

Victor Pinho owns and operates Emerald Farm Tours, which takes customers on tours similar to the tours offered at various Napa Valley wineries. Pinho, whose party buses with the Emerald Farm Tours already comply with a sealed space for drivers, agrees with the new bill. “We are being respectful,” Pinho said. “Just like you wouldn’t pour alcohol on a driver, we wouldn’t blow smoke in the driver’s face. We want them to be safe. It’s the same thing with a cannabis tour.”

The bill would require everyone on the party bus or limo to be over 21 if cannabis is going to be consumed. California has proposed a zero tolerance policy, similar to alcohol, for those under 21 who drive under the influence of cannabis.

Cannabis tourism has been a growing industry since California legalized cannabis in 2016. According to Amy Jenkins of the California Cannabis Industry Association, which supports SB-625, s the state has seen a 300 percent increase in internet searches for cannabis tourism.

We can assume many of these tourists are, or will be, taking advantage of California’s newly compliant cannabis marketplace,” Jenkins said.

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