California’s full Senate has voted in favor of legislation that would allow licensed marijuana retailers to sell products through drive-thru windows. The proposal has already passed the full Assembly.
Assembly Bill 2697, filed by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D), was approved on second reading in the Senate. The measure will still need to receive final approval on third reading, which is expected soon, before it can be sent to the governor for consideration.
The bill previously passed the Assembly in May by a vote of 55 to 9. Earlier this month, it cleared the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee in a 7 to 3 vote before advancing through the Senate Appropriations process.
AB 2697 would allow local governments to authorize drive-thru marijuana sales at licensed cannabis retailers and storefront microbusinesses. The proposal would not make drive-thru sales legal statewide automatically, with cities and counties maintaining control over whether to allow them within their jurisdictions.
Under the measure, licensed retailers and microbusinesses that conduct storefront retail sales could sell marijuana or marijuana products to customers in a motor vehicle through a drive-through located on the licensed premises. In most cases, those sales would need to be made through a fixed-pane security window with a security drawer or similar secure transfer mechanism that is part of a building located within the premises.
The bill would not apply to businesses that operate exclusively through delivery or that do not maintain a storefront open to the public for retail sales. Sales conducted under the proposal would also remain subject to state cannabis laws and any regulations adopted by the Department of Cannabis Control.
Supporters say the legislation would give licensed retailers another tool to serve consumers while improving access for medical patients, seniors and people with mobility issues.
With the Senate’s latest action, AB 2697 is now just one floor vote away from being sent to Newsom.
