A California Senate committee has advanced legislation that would allow licensed marijuana retailers to sell products through drive-thru windows, weeks after the measure passed the full Assembly.

Assembly Bill 2697, filed by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D), was approved by the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee in a 7 to 3 vote. The committee’s approval sends the proposal to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. The bill previously passed the Assembly in May by a vote of 55 to 9.

The measure would allow local governments to authorize drive-thru marijuana sales at licensed cannabis retailers and storefront microbusinesses. Drive-thru sales would not automatically become legal statewide, with cities and counties retaining authority over whether to allow them within their jurisdictions.

Under the bill, 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. Sales would generally need to occur 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 licensees that conduct retail sales exclusively through delivery, or to those that do not maintain a premises open to the public for retail sales. Sales conducted under the proposal would still need to comply with state cannabis laws and any regulations adopted by the Department of Cannabis Control.

Supporters say the proposal could make legal marijuana access easier for medical patients, seniors and people with mobility issues, while giving licensed retailers another way to compete with the illicit market.

With its latest committee vote, AB 2697 remains alive in the Senate and must still clear additional legislative hurdles before it can be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom.