A key committee in the California Legislature has passed legislation (Assembly Bill 1111) that would enable marijuana growers to sell their products directly to consumers at state-sanctioned farmers markets and other temporary events.
The legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D), received unanimous approval from the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday, with the voting being 4 to 0. In May 2023, the measure was passed through the state’s Assembly by a vote of 74 to 1. It was subsequently approved through two Senate committees later that year.
Now that the proposal has been passed through the Senate Appropriations Committee, it can be considered by the full Senate. If it passes the Senate, it will be sent back to the Assembly for one final vote given it was amended in committee. If it passes the Senate, and the Assembly concurs with changes, it will be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for final consideration.
Under the proposed law, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) would be authorized to issue a state temporary event license. This license would allow on-site cannabis sales and consumption at approved venues, but only in jurisdictions that explicitly permit such activities.
To qualify for the temporary event license, applicants must meet the criteria for a small marijuana producer. Specifically, this means they cannot be cultivating more than one acre of cannabis or exceeding 22,000 square feet under a mixed-light tier 1 license, or 5,000 square feet under a mixed-light tier 2 or indoor cultivation license.
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amendment to limit new license to “state temporary events,” narrowing the original language that would have allowed on-site sales and consumption at a broader range of events. Another amendment delays the implementation of the bill until January 1, 2026.
For the full text of the bill, click here.
