California Assembly votes on AB2697. This measure allows licensed cannabis businesses to run drive-thru services. On Wednesday, the bill passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee by a unanimous vote of 13-1. This allows for licensed storefronts selling cannabis to customers “in a vehicle at a drive through located within the property.” This initiative aims to establish according to Marijuana MomentA new path for patients and consumers to access healthcare, especially for California Medical Cannabis Drive Through.
Market Competition and the Regulatory Rationale
AB 2697, authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin(D), had already been approved by the Assembly Business and Professions Committee. According to the legislation, cannabis companies would need local authority approval before they could implement a drive-thru. Jessica Caloza, an Assemblymember (D), stated that this bill addressed a “regulatory imbalance” in which licensed cannabis retailers could offer curbside pick-up, as they did during the COVID-19 epidemic, but were generally forbidden from filling orders through a drive thru window.
Caloza said that legislation is aimed at making legal cannabis easier to access, which will help the regulated market compete against the illicit market. Caloza presents this regulatory adjustment as a solution that will streamline the operations of licensed entities.
Improve Patient Access with Drive-Thrus
Proposed expansion of the access to California medical marijuana drive-thrus Its potential to benefit specific patient groups is highlighted. Mark Smith from Chuck’s Wellness Center a Placerville retailer, stressed that the Bill is “all about improving access.”
- Smith said that many customers use cannabis as a medical aid.
- Included are seniors, veterans and people with mobility issues.
- Navigating a store can be difficult for many people.
- This barrier could be addressed in a safe, legal manner by a drive-thru, which would support Americans With Disabilities Act principles, and encourage a more welcoming retail environment.
Arguments are made that the change in access would not impact who is eligible for medical marijuana, but instead how access is provided, which will make it more accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Cannabis Industry: Economic implications
Bill also has economic implications for cannabis in California. Amy O’Gorman Jenkins, of the California Cannabis Operators Association said that the bill “supports fiscal interests of state in a period when cannabis revenues are on the decline.” She emphasized the importance to offer practical solutions for consumers to stay within regulated store.
The Legislative Progress in a Broader Policy Framework
AB 2697 will now be voted on by the Assembly after it has passed through its Appropriations Committee. If passed, it would then be forwarded to the Senate. This legislation is part of an overall series of changes to California’s marijuana framework.
Modifications to the licensing process for cannabis in California have been made to conform to federal discussions on rescheduling. Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California signed another bill in that same month to streamline research into cannabis and psychedelics. The Governor also implemented a temporary measure in September that halted a previous tax increase for cannabis products. California officials also granted nearly $30,000,000 in grants to support academic cannabis research. This shows the continued engagement of California with this sector.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette is not a medical provider and does not offer diagnoses or treatment plans. Before making decisions about your health, or any other medical conditions, always consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia has not evaluated statements about the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoid products, hemp or cannabis. TGA regulates the access to medical cannabis in Australia.