California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed legislation that would gave banned the use of a large variety of images on the packaging of marijuana products.
(Photo credit: Solarisys/Shutterstock).
California Assembly Bill 1207, filed by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, was passed unanimously in the state Assembly, 63 to 0, and it passed the Senate 23 to 10. Despite the widespread support among lawmakers, Governor Newsom has vetoed the bill. The legislature could override the veto with a 2/3rds majority, but it’s uncertain at this point if that will happen.
“This bill defines the term “attractive to children” under the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (Proposition 64), and expressly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cannabis or cannabis-related products that are attractive to children”, said Governor Newsom in a veto message. “When the voters passed Proposition 64, they enacted robust protections shielding youth from exposure to cannabis and cannabis-related products. Among other things, voters prohibited cannabis licensees from using packaging, labeling, marketing, and advertising that is attractive to children.”
He continues; “To further this intent, the Department of Cannabis Control promulgated regulations establishing extensive labeling and advertising requirements to ensure commercial cannabis products are not marketed to children. While I deeply appreciate and agree with the author’s intent, I am concerned that the definition of “attractive to children” used in this bill is overly broad.”
Governor Newsom says that “By prohibiting entire categories of images, this bill would sweep in commonplace designs, and I am not convinced that these additional limits will meaningfully protect children beyond what is required under existing law. California must continue to refine and advance its regulation of cannabis to protect the health and safety of children. As such, I am directing the Department of Cannabis Control to strengthen and expand existing youth related cannabis protections – including measures to enhance enforcement of those protections.”
Newsom says “For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.”
You can find its full text of Assembly Bill 1207 can be found by clicking here.
