California passed a series of laws for marijuana's medical use to be regulated more. Californian's voters will decide for it next year.
After almost two decades of legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, according to Reason, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a group of bills Friday that would bring the industry under a statewide regulatory system. The governor said it was long overdue as many local governments complain about the lack of regulation over the use of the plant. The guidelines will be drafted by experts starting next year and will be implemented immediately. It was anticipated that a licensing and testing system would materialize to supervise all aspects of the business from cultivation to sales. Marijuana has been labeled as an agricultural produce in the Golden State, making it subject to water rules as the state undergoes a drought.
Weed News Global said that Brown stated the new structure will positively certify patients will have access to medical marijuana and guaranteeing a vigorous tracking system. "This sends a clear and certain signal to our federal counterparts that California is implementing robust controls not only on paper, but in practice," he added. Drafting of the new regulations will begin so that local government, law enforcement, businesses, patients and health providers can set up and adapt to it. The new regulated system will begin even though licensing will be implemented until Jan. 1, 2018.
Gov. Brown and his colleagues in the Legislature wants California's cannabis industry to become the thriving, taxpaying, job-creating industry it was always destined to become, said LA Times. About 1,250 medical marijuana dispensaries are being operated in the state, with sales estimated of $1.3 billion, according to industry groups. Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation can issue and revoke licenses for the agriculture, storage and sale of cannabis and accumulate fees to pay for the agency's work.
Growers welcomed the said new rules. Ata Gonzalez, chief executive of G FarmaLabs, who is a cultivator and distributor to more than 600 dispensaries in California said he personally believe that not all people will be happy about it. His firm appreciated the well thought guidelines and wants a good and positive outcome.
