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Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Cannabis Event Bill

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[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]G[/dropcap]ov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 2020 on Sept. 26, giving cities and local jurisdictions the authority to approve temporary cannabis events. The bill essentially greatly expands the type and number of acceptable venues that can host cannabis-related events.

The bill was authored by Assemblyman Bill Quirk, and created a solution to the chaos that surrounded several recent cannabis events in California. Quirk recognized a need to provide places where cannabis events can take place.

The bill was heavily promoted by several local lawmakers, including Oakland City Councilmember At-Large Rebecca Kaplan, a long-time cannabis business ally. “I want to thank Assemblymember Quirk for his leadership, hard work and determination in authoring AB 2020 and his efforts with getting the bill to the Governor,” Kaplan told KPIX, a CBS Affiliate, “I also want to thank Governor Brown for signing this landmark legislation. With this bill now law, any local jurisdiction can choose to take part in this robust industry, while supporting small businesses, enhancing regional economic opportunities, and maintaining safety.”

The bill’s passage was also celebrated by the California Cannabis Industry Association, a highly respected trade organization representing the cannabis business landscape in California.

AB 2020 also, however, grants the Bureau of Cannabis Control authority to revoke or award permits for any cannabis event if any unpermitted or unlawful activity is reported.

The road, up until now, has been bumpy. The High Times Cannabis Cup SoCal 2018 was denied approvals to sell cannabis at its event in San Bernardino. In Victorville, city officials refused to approve cannabis consumption and sales at the Chalice California festival originally scheduled for last July. Currently, only state fairgrounds can host cannabis events, and it requires city approval. Long Beach cannabis events had similar problems.  According to Leafly, Santa Rosa and Sacramento are the only California cities that allowed cannabis events at state fairgrounds within their city limits

The bill takes effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

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