Hiring In California? Don't Ask About Cannabis Use, Says Gov. Newsom Who Axes Cannabis Cafes & More

California is witnessing significant changes in its cannabis laws, following a series of bills signed and vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

Want to know more about the state of California's cannabis industry? Tune in to the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago. For existing subscribers, you can get direct access through our research platform. For new users, you can get instant access here! 

See Also: Retail Outlook For 2023: Exploring California's Cannabis Landscape With Z&A's Analyst Report

No More Pot Questions In Jobs Interviews

The governor approved a landmark bill, sponsored by Sen. Steven Bradford, which prohibits employers from asking about job applicants’ past marijuana use.

“With cannabis being legal for adults 21+, requiring someone to disclose cannabis use may discourage good applicants from applying,” Bradford commented. As reported by Marijuana Moment (MM), this law is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

Cafes Vetoed 

Newsom vetoed a proposal to legalize cannabis cafes, expressing concerns that it could undermine California’s smoke-free workplace protections, per MM.

“Protecting the health and safety of workers is paramount,” he stated.

See Also: Is Cannabis Rescheduling A Solution? Experts Delve Into California Cannabis Retail Challenges At Benzinga Conference

Mixed Bag: New Cannabis Laws Approved, How About Psychedelics?

Yet, he did sign other cannabis bills into law, marking notable adjustments to the state’s marijuana policies, particularly in areas like equity, tracking, testing and licensing.

A key bill that was passed involves environmental sustainability, eliminating the use of single-use plastic tags for tracking marijuana plants. “Beyond environmental and financial impacts for our local governments, plastic products have become a public health hazard,” stated bill sponsor Sen. Ben Allen, applauding the governor for endorsing this environmental initiative.

See Also: The Real Cost Of Starting A Cannabis Business In California: Gone Are The $10,000 Startup Days

The governor also struck down a marijuana packaging bill, criticizing its “overly broad” definition of attractive to children. He has tasked the Department of Cannabis Control to enhance youth-related cannabis protections.

The veto was welcomed by the California Cannabis Industry Association's president Pamela Epstein. “AB 1207 posed a significant threat to the industry with excessive restrictions,” she said.

One of the bills awaiting the governor’s action could channel civil penalties collected from unlicensed marijuana businesses to local treasuries of the jurisdictions that led the action against these illegal operators, marking another potential stride in regulating the state’s thriving cannabis industry.

Furthermore, Newsom’s decisions have also impacted the psychedelic substances realm. He vetoed legislation that would have legalized possession of certain psychedelics, drawing a line on the extent of drug reforms under his administration.

Read Next: Psychedelics Reform Update: Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, California, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana

Image by El Planteo