Cannabis Deliveries Could Soon be Allowed Anywhere in California

Regulators announced on Dec. 7 that it will be legal to deliver cannabis anywhere in the state of California, even in locations that ban cannabis, pending a final approval.

Delivering cannabis to local communities that ban cannabis sales has been one of the most controversial issues while the permanent rules are being finalized. The delivery provision was included in regulations drafted by the Bureau of Cannabis Control, which issues most retail permits. The rules will become law in 30 days from Dec. 7 unless California’s Office of Administrative Law objects.

Voters passed Proposition 64 two years ago and legalized recreational cannabis in California. The bureau has justified their decision by stating that Proposition 64 allows deliveries statewide. Regulators clarified the issue after a number of law enforcement officials in communities that ban cannabis asserted that they could arrest licensed delivery drivers in those areas.

The California Police Chiefs Association, League of California Cities and United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council launched an online petition campaign against the rule.”Regulated marijuana dispensaries have tough security, checks for identity and legal age and strictly licensed workers,” council executive director James Araby said in a statement. “If marijuana can be delivered anywhere with virtually no regulation, California will lose these safeguards.” Cannabis consumers argued that patients would have to have to commute long distances in order to purchase cannabis.  

The draft regulations also included a ban on permit holders doing business with unlicensed operators, with concerns over operating in the black market. The California Department of Food and Agriculture also released draft regulations including a provision that would allow farmers to receive an unlimited number of cultivation permits.